The History of Dartmouth College

Based in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research institution with a history of over 250 years. Currently ranking as the 161st best university in the world and 45th in the United States, Dartmouth follows a liberal arts curriculum providing over 60 different majors throughout 40 different academic departments. This page will cover Dartmouths history from the 1700’s to modern day challenges and achievements.

The Founding of Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College  was founded in 1769, making it one of only nine colonial colleges established before the American Revolution.

Key Figures in the Establishment

Dartmouths founder, Eleazar Wheelock, a Yale graduate, began his pursuit of establishing a school in 1755 with the founding of Moor’s Indian Charity School. While successful, the school lacked funding and was in an inappropriate location. After fundraising and land being provided by the Royal Governor of New Hampshire, Dartmouth was built and officially established in the name of King George III in 1769. The College was named after Willian Legge, the 2nd Earl of Dartmouth who was an important supporter of Wheelocks earlier efforts. 

Early Vision and Mission

After inspiration through Wheelock’s relationship with Mohegan Indian Samson Occom, his original mission for the college was to provide ‘education and instruction of Youth of the Indian Tribes in reading, writing and all parts of learning’. Additionally, a main aim of the school was to educate Native Americans in Christian theology and train them as missionaries.

Due to the difficulties recruiting students to the previous charity school, Wheelock intended this new college to be primarily for white students. This decision disappointed Samson Accom who left and established his own community in New England.

The first degrees from Dartmouth College were granted in 1771.

Dartmouth College in the 19th Century

The start of the 19th century brought a contentious legal battle surrounding the college. The New Hampshire Democrats condemned Dartmouth’s charter as ‘emanating from royalty’ and thus inappropriate for the republic. Through the state legislature, they renamed the college ‘Dartmouth University’ and created a board to oversee university decisions. This resulted in controversy and a suit was filed demanding the return of the original charter and in 1819, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the college. It has since been considered an offense to call the college a ‘university’!

Campus Reform and Student Expansion

Although African-Americans were taught at the institution as early as 1775, by the end of the civil war, 20 black men had attended the college or its medical school. 

Towards the end of the 19th century, Dartmouth underwent major transformations under the leadership of President William Tucker. Following large donations such as $10,000 given by Dartmouth alumnus and law professor John Ordronaux, Dartmouth built 20 new buildings which enabled the faculty and student body to expand by threefold. 

Interestingly, Dartmouth is the only American institution to have continued producing a class each year since its founding, while other colleges’ studies were disrupted by conflict such as the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Dartmouth College in the 20th Century

In the 20th century, Dartmouth was modernised including further expansion of the campus and reform of the curriculum while events such as the World Wars took place.

Dartmouth College During World War I

Although initially passive and supportive in the Great War, many Dartmouth alumni served as volunteer non-combatants such as driving ambulances, in the later years Dartmouth began training students for front-line action. Some of the Campus’s athletic fields were converted into realistic trenches which were used for training purposes, these were known as ‘Occom trenches’.

Dartmouth College During World War II

During World War II, Dartmouth once again played a role in training students in preparation for war. The college took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program which offered students a path to navy commission. In total, 8,977 Dartmouth men served their country in the war.

Following World War II, Dartmouth came under fire for its selective admissions policy used from the 1920s which discriminated against Jewish students. This quota became public in 1945 and the policy was subsequently eliminated.

College Reform

After the war, major academic changes were made to the college. In 1956, the Dartmouth workshop was held which is considered to be the founding event of the field of artificial intelligence. In the 1970s, President Kemeny began admitting women as full time students and introduced the ‘Dartmouth Plan’ which allowed considerable increase in the student body size.

Dartmouth College’s Influence in the 21st Century

Entering the 21st century, Dartmouth has increased its international prominence as a research institution and has made commitments to increasing the wellbeing of all members of its campus, although this has not been without its challenges and controversies. 

In 2010, Dartmouth joinged the Matariki Network of Univertsities (MNU), a group of seven international universities that focus on strong links between research and undergraduate teaching.

Current Challenges and Controversies

In 2019, a class-action lawsuit was settled by Dartmouth College, who agreed to pay nine current and former students $14 million who alleged they had been sexually harassed by three former neuroscience professors.

Additionally, since October 2023, campuses across the world have experienced protests and encampments regarding the Isreal-Palestine conflict. Uniquely however, Dartmouth has chosen a novel approach to adressing the tensions, talking about it. Dartmouth has encouraged conversation and discussion regarding the issue, however this approach has been met with mixed feelings of satisfaction by the students.

Forward-thinking Initiatives

In 2015, President Hanlon announced the ‘Moving Dartmouth Forward Plan’ which aimed to improve the expectations of students while strengthening the college’s commitment to leadership in teaching and learning. The plan addressed high risk behaviour such as sexual assault and drinking which were particularly prevalent in Dartmouth fraterninties to create a better sense of inclusivity on campus.

In 2019, Dartmouth laughed the ‘Campus Climate and Culture Initative’ which aimed to create a more welcoming and equitable environment for students following a report on the sexual harassment of women in academia.

Looking to Study at Dartmouth College ?

At Dukes Plus, we provide support for applications to various universities across the world, including Dartmouth College. Our programs offer personalised guidance, and strategic advice to strengthen your Dartmouth application. 

We can support you to identify and showcase Dartmouth College’s values, and effectively communicate your accomplishments and potential contributions to the admissions committee. 

Speak to an Admissions Expert