On the 11th of March, 1897, the Legislature passed an act establishing a branch of the State Normal School of the University of Utah, to be located either in Iron or Beaver County.
After visiting different parts of the two counties named, the commission decided that Cedar City would be the most suitable place for the Normal School.
In September of that year, the completed Ward Hall opened its doors to receive the first class of students of the southern Branch of the State Normal School. More commonly called Branch Normal School (BNS). This building was to be used until a permanent building could be constructed on ground situated on the most beautiful site in Cedar City.
While the people of Cedar City were exerting their energies toward the final touches on the Ward Hall, the Board of Regents of the University of Utah had more carefully read the enabling legislation. They now realized they had a problem.
The problem was that the legislation was worded in such a manner that the $15,000 appropriation for funding the school year 1897-98 could not be released until the permanent building, built on the designated property, was deeded to the State. There was no money to pay the four hired teachers, no money for books and equipment. So much for the problem. As to the solution.......for another day.
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