ABOVE - (click on image to enlarge) A chart of battles, leaders, and congresses during the Revolutionary War.

First College in a New Nation

On May 24, 1782, the Maryland General Assembly granted a charter creating the first college in the newly born American republic. Washington College, America's tenth-oldest college, was distinct among its peers in its decidedly secular mission: to educate responsible citizens who could lead government, start businesses, and promote peace and knowledge.

The Reverend Dr. William Smith, a Scottish-born Episcopal minister associated closely with Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Rush and other prominent thinkers of the revolutionary generation, founded the college, which started life as the Kent County Free School in 1723.

	An Account of Washington College, 1784 ...read more...
	George Washington’s 50 Guinea Draft ...read more...
	The Birth of Washington College ...read more...
	George Washington’s College Diploma ...read more...
	Lottery Ticket ...read more...
	Spike ...read more...

Back