The squirrels of U of M first developed their plot once Tennessee approved for the University of Memphis, originally known as West Tennessee State Normal School, to be built in 1909. They watched as their home was torn down in front of their eyes.
The university was finally completed on September 10, 1912. The U of M squirrels were not happy about it at all. They now had to navigate the place and continuously deal with humans more than ever. And they had too much pride to leave the area, so they stayed.
The U of M squirrels remained in a hopeless condition for several decades, unsure how or if they could counter the university. This all would change in 1966 when a tragic event took place for the squirrels.
Link to Tragic Event and Turning Point