In 1885, the Watauga Club lobbies the state legislature to create an industrial school and two years later, the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts is established. Construction on the... In 1885, the Watauga Club lobbies the state legislature to create an industrial school and two years later, the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts is established. Construction on the Main Building (Holladay Hall) is completed in 1889 and the first classes are held in the fall of the same year. Alexander Holladay becomes the college's first president. He is succeeded in 1899 by George Tayloe Winston. The first official football game is played in 1892 and the first commencement ceremony is held in 1893.