The United States of America is home to some of the most prestigious and influential universities in the world. But did you know that some of these institutions have a history that dates back to before the American Revolution? In this blog post, we will take a historical journey through 10 of the oldest universities in the US and learn about their origins, achievements, and traditions.
1. Harvard University (Est. 1636)
Harvard University is the oldest university in the US and one of the most renowned in the world. It was founded in 1636 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a college for training Puritan ministers. It was named after John Harvard, a young clergyman who donated his library and half of his estate to the institution. Harvard has produced many notable alumni, including eight US presidents, 161 Nobel laureates, and 14 Turing Award winners. Harvard is also known for its academic excellence, research innovation, and diverse student body.
2. The College of William & Mary (Est. 1693)
The College of William & Mary is the second oldest university in the US and the oldest in the South. It was founded in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England as a royal charter. It was the first university in America to have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the first to have a law school, and the first to have a school of modern languages. The college has produced many prominent figures, such as Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, and George Washington.
3. St. John’s College (Est. 1696)
St. John’s College is one of the oldest universities in the US, founded in 1696 as King William’s School in Annapolis, Maryland. It is also one of the most unique institutions of higher learning, as it follows a “Great Books” curriculum that exposes students to the foundational texts of Western civilization. The college has two campuses, one in Annapolis and one in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and students can transfer between them at any point. St. John’s College is known for its small class sizes, rigorous seminars, and emphasis on dialogue and discussion. The college offers only one degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, but students can also pursue a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts or a Master of Arts in Eastern Classics at the graduate level.
4. Yale University (Est. 1701)
Yale University is the third oldest university in the US and one of the Ivy League schools. It was founded in 1701 by a group of Congregationalist ministers who wanted to establish a college that would rival Harvard. It was originally called the Collegiate School, but was renamed Yale in 1718 after Elihu Yale, a wealthy merchant who donated generously to the institution. Yale has been a leader in many fields, such as art, drama, music, medicine, and law. Yale has also produced many distinguished alumni, such as five US presidents, 62 Nobel laureates, and 19 Supreme Court justices.
5. The University of Pennsylvania (Est.1740)
The University of Pennsylvania is the sixth oldest university in the US and one of the founding members of the Ivy League. It was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin as a charity school for educating young people from all social backgrounds. It became an academy in 1751 and a college in 1755. It was renamed The University of Pennsylvania in 1779 to reflect its expanded scope and mission. Penn has been a leader in many disciplines, such as business, medicine, law, and education. Penn has also produced many notable alumni, such as William Henry Harrison,
6. Moravian College (Est. 1742)
Moravian College is one of the oldest universities in the US and the first to open its doors to women. It was founded in 1742 by Benigna von Zinzendorf, the daughter of a Moravian Church leader, who established a girls’ school in Germantown, Pennsylvania. The school moved to Bethlehem seven weeks later, and then to Nazareth in 1745. In 1749, it returned to Bethlehem, where it still operates today as part of Moravian University. The college has a rich history of innovation and education for all, regardless of gender or social status. It was influenced by the educational philosophy of John Amos Comenius, who advocated for universal schooling and lifelong learning. The college was also the first to offer music education in America, and the first to award an honorary degree to a woman, Emma Willard, in 1837. Moravian College merged with a men’s college and seminary in 1954, becoming the first coeducational institution of higher education in the Lehigh Valley. Today, it offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and programmes, as well as graduate and professional studies. It is known for its liberal arts curriculum, its historic campus, and its traditions such as the Moravian Mile and Heritage Day.
7. University of Delaware (Est. 1743)
The University of Delaware is one of the oldest universities in the US, with a history that dates back to 1743. It was founded by Francis Alison, a Presbyterian minister who opened a “Free School” in his home in New London, Pennsylvania. The school moved to Newark, Delaware in 1765 and became NewArk College in 1834. It was renamed Delaware College in 1843 and received land grant status in 1867. In 1921, it merged with the Women’s College of Delaware, which had opened in 1914, and became the University of Delaware. Today, the University of Delaware is a public research university with eight colleges and more than 24,000 students. It is known for its excellence in engineering, business, agriculture, education and health sciences. It also has a strong tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship, with notable alumni such as Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States.
8. Princeton University (Est. 1746)
Princeton University is the fourth oldest university in the US and another member of the Ivy League. It was founded in 1746 by Presbyterian leaders as the College of New Jersey. It was relocated to Princeton in 1756 and renamed Princeton University in 1896. Princeton has been a centre of academic excellence, scholarly innovation, and social service. Princeton has also produced many eminent alumni, such as Woodrow Wilson, Albert Einstein, John Nash, and Michelle Obama.
9. Washington and Lee University (Est. 1749)
Washington and Lee University is one of the oldest universities in the US, founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy by Scots-Irish Presbyterian pioneers. The school changed its name several times, becoming Liberty Hall Academy in 1776, Washington Academy in 1796, and Washington College in 1813. The name changes reflected the school’s gratitude to George Washington, who donated 100 shares of James River Canal Company stock to the struggling institution in 1796, and to Robert E. Lee, who served as the president of the college from 1865 to 1870 after his surrender as the Confederate general-in-chief. Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college located in Lexington, Virginia, with a campus that covers 430 acres and abuts the campus of the Virginia Military Institute. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in various fields of study, and is known for its honour system, historic buildings, and distinctive traditions.
10. Columbia University (Est. 1754)
Columbia University is the fifth oldest university in the US and the oldest in New York City. It was founded in 1754 by King George II of England as King’s College. It was renamed Columbia College after the American Revolution and became Columbia University in 1896. Columbia has been a pioneer in many fields, such as journalism, engineering, architecture, and public health. Columbia has also produced many influential alumni, such as Alexander Hamilton, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the historical journey through 10 of the oldest universities in the US showcases their rich legacies and enduring contributions to academia. From Harvard’s establishment in 1636 to the birth of public education at the University of North Carolina in 1789, these institutions have shaped generations of scholars and played pivotal roles in intellectual, cultural, and scientific advancements. As they continue to adapt and embrace progress, these universities will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on education and society for years to come.
FAQs
When were the oldest universities in the US founded?
The oldest universities in the US were founded between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Which university is the oldest among them?
Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest university in the US.
What are some notable universities on the list?
Some notable universities among the oldest in the US include Yale University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Brown University.
Have these universities contributed significantly to academia?
Yes, these universities have made significant contributions to academia. They have produced numerous distinguished scholars, leaders, and thinkers, and have played pivotal roles in intellectual, cultural, and scientific advancements.
Do these universities continue to thrive today?
Yes, these universities continue to thrive today. They adapt to changing educational landscapes, promote diversity and inclusivity, and strive to maintain their positions as leaders in academic excellence.
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