The period from 1870s until the early 20th century witnessed the process of the gradual origination of mathematical discipline in American universities. Generally, this process was due to various factors, three of which played a crucial role in this process. The first important factor was the influence of American mathematicians who used to study mathematics from Europe during the early years; the second was the founding of the American Mathematical Society and the influence of its academic activities; and the last was the influence of the “Zeroth International Congress of Mathematicians” and its followup academic activities. The pioneering mathematicians made practical explorations during the early years: they established researchoriented mathematical departments; constructed specialized academic groups aimed to carry out mathematical research; initially established a modern training system for mathematical professionals; launched and distributed professional mathematical journals. After decades of efforts, several mathematical highlands emerged, the capacity for training mathematical professionals was significantly improved, mathematical research activities began to enter the initial period of prosperity, and many influential academic achievements were made in American universities. Although the achievements made during this period had not changed the situation that American mathematics lagged behind European counterpart on the whole, they had accumulated strength and laid a solid foundation for the United States to surpass Europe and become a worldclass mathematical power in the 20th century, which has its specific historical value.