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The history of Harvard University begins in 1636, when Harvard College was founded in the young settlement of New Towne in Massachusetts, which had been settled in 1630. New Towne was organized as a town on the founding of the university, and changed its name two years later to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in honor of the city in England.
On October 28, 1636, Harvard, the first college in the American colonies, was founded. Who founded Harvard? Despite popular opinion (and a certain statue) John Harvard did not found Harvard, but he was the first major benefactor and he donated half of his estate and his library of more than 400 books to the School.
1600s: Our Early Origins. 1600s. 1607: John Harvard, the College’s future namesake and first benefactor, was baptized at St. Saviour’s Church (now Southwark Cathedral), London. 1635: John Harvard received his M.A. from Cambridge University, England. 1636: First College in American colonies founded.
2 days ago · Harvard University, oldest institution of higher learning in the United States (founded 1636) and one of the eight Ivy League schools, widely regarded for their high academic standards, selectivity in admissions, and social prestige.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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Mar 11, 2024 · John Harvard (born November 1607, London, Eng.—died Sept. 14, 1638, Charlestown [part of Boston], Mass. [U.S.]) was a New England colonist whose bequest permitted the firm establishment of Harvard College. John Harvard was the son of a butcher and of the daughter of a cattle merchant and alderman of Stratford-on-Avon.
Explore all of Harvard’s history. On September 8, 1636, Harvard, the first college in the American colonies, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard University was officially founded by a vote by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
