Columbia University

Formerly Kings College

Description

The original McKim, Mead and White plan for this leading university was never completed, and buildings by contemporary starchitects have popped up over the years, giving Columbia's campus and eclectic look. Of the Classically-styled Charles McKim buildings, the monumental (if now misnamed) Low Memorial Library impresses most with its elegant steps (popular with sunbathers) and enormous dome. (Today it houses administrative offices rather than books.) Other notable campus buildings by Gwathmey Siegel, Rafael Moneo, Gruzen Samton, and Bernard Tschumi.

Founded, July 17, 1754

In 1752 Trinity Church gave a grant of land for a new college.On July 17, 1754, the first class of King`s College, which was to become Columbia University, met in the schoolhouse of Trinity Church located across this street. The charter for the college was granted on October 31, 1754, during the reign of King George II.

Moved, 1784

The college reopened in 1784 with a new name—Columbia—that embodied the patriotic fervor that had inspired the nation's quest for independence.

Factoids

1787 - Seixas became the first member of his faith to be elected a trustee of King's College, the precursor to today’s Columbia University in New York City and remained such until 1815. He was also one of the College's incorporators.

Related People & Organizations

George Washington,In 1773, Washington enrolled his willful stepson, Jacky Custis, in King's College.

Alexander Hamilton, From meager beginnings and life as an orphan, he moved to New York City in 1772 and attended King’s College (now Columbia University) on a scholarship.

Gershom Mendes Seixas, In 1787 Seixas became the first member of his faith to be elected a trustee of King's College (until 1815). He was also one of the College's incorporators.

Related Sites

Trinity Church and Graveyard

The Manhattan Project-Multiple buildings at Columbia University were key to the Manhattan Project. Schermerhorn and Pupin Halls housed Professor John R. Dunning's team, where they built the Cyclotron that enabled nuclear fission. This Cyclotron is now part of the Smithsonian's collection. The Nash Garage Building, a former car dealership, was used by researchers like Lawrence S. O’Rourke to develop materials for the K-25 plant at Oak Ridge. After the war, Columbia's Prentis Hall became a nuclear testing laboratory involved in the "Atoms for Peace" initiative.

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