Located in the center of University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, the David R. Francis Quadrangle is a historic site in the campus. It is where the first building of the institution once stood, known as the Academic Hall, and is the site of The Columns and the Jesse Hall in the present day.

The area is named after the former governor David R. Francis, the David R. Francis Quadrangle, known by students as ?the Quad?, in honor of the legislator?s actions for keeping the University in Columbia. There?s also a marker in the site, a statue of Francis. It is a common tradition of students to rub his nose before an exam to get an A. This has caused replacement of the nose thrice since it was dedicated.