Overview Of Mason History & Geolocation Map

This page talks about how George Mason University changed and got bigger over time. It started in 1957 as a small college that was part of the University of Virginia. The first campus was in Bailey’s Crossroads, where classes were held in an old school building with only 17 students. It was a small place, but it gave local students a chance to go to college nearby.

In 1964, the college moved to a larger campus in Fairfax, Virginia. The land was a gift from the City of Fairfax and Fairfax County. This new campus had more space for classrooms, a library, and other buildings. This move helped the college grow.

In 1972, the Virginia government made the college independent. It was now called George Mason University. This meant the school could make its own programs, give out degrees, and get more money. A special event was held at Harris Theatre to celebrate this big change.

In 1979, GMU started its own law school. It took over the International School of Law in Arlington and made it part of the university. This gave students access to courts and government buildings in Washington, D.C. It also helped Mason become known for strong professional programs.

The newest big change happened in 2022, when GMU opened Mason Square, a high-tech campus in Arlington. It focuses on graduate programs, technology, research, and public policy. One important part of it is the Institute for Digital InnovAtion (IDIA). Mason Square shows how the university is still growing and working on real-world problems.

Look at the GeoMap below to see where each of these events happened. The map has pictures and short notes to help you understand how George Mason University became the school it is today.

Here is a link to another StoryMap I made! Hopefully it helps you better understand