How did the UT Knoxville campus’ traditional colors of orange and white originate?
The oldest surviving tradition is the “Big Orange,” quickly recognized and sported by Volunteers everywhere. In 1889, Charles Moore, President of the Athletic Association, decided that for the upcoming field day he would dress in what he believed were appropriate school colors. His choice was orange and white, a combination derived from the common daisy that grew profusely upon “the Hill.” Moore’s spirited choice had yet to become official, however. Student’s uniforms (UT was a military school at the time) were blue and white, and the baseball team dressed in red and black. It was not long before more and more students wore the orange and white to athletic events. The question was put to the student body in 1892, and, after seesawing back and forth, the students elected to have the now familiar combination.–from Volunteer Moments, Vignettes of the History of The University of Tennessee by Milton M. Klein.
