Beaver Stadium is named after James A. Beaver, who was a governor of Pennsylvania from 1887 to 1891, president of the university's board of trustees, and a native of nearby Millerstown. The stadium's name honors his significant contributions to the state and to Penn State University. Originally, the football field was called Beaver Field and later, when it was relocated and expanded, it became Beaver Stadium in 1960. James A. Beaver was also a Civil War officer and a key figure in the development of the university at the turn of the century. The stadium has retained his name throughout its expansions and remains a tribute to his legacy.