Chartered in 1831 by the New York State Legislature, NYU was founded by a group of New Yorkers led by then Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin.In 1832, the initial non-denominational all-male institution began its first classes near City Hall based on a curriculum focused on a secular education. The university, in 1833, then moved and has maintained its main campus in Greenwich Village surrounding Washington Square Park.

Main campus in Greenwich Village surrounding Washington Square Park

Greenwich Village

Brooklyn

New York University

In 1830, a three-day convention at City Hall, attended by over 100 delegates, debated plans for a university based on merit rather than social status. On April 18, 1831, with backing from prominent merchants, bankers, and traders, the institution that would become NYU was founded. Albert Gallatin was elected its first president, and on April 21, it was officially chartered as the University of the City of New York by the state legislature.

New York University

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