Guide

The History of Columbia University

Wed 4 Sep 2024 • 4 min read

Explore the pivotal role Columbia University has played in American history since its founding in 1754. Discover the influential figures, significant events, and the ongoing impact of Columbia in the 21st century.

Contents

The Founding of Columbia University
Colonial and Revolutionary Eras
19th Century
20th Century
21st Century
Current Challenges
Foward Thinking Initiatives
Speak to an Admissions Expert

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The History of Columbia University

Columbia University is a 270-year-old university based in New York City. Known for its outstanding research, it currently ranks as 17th best university in the world. Being the 5th oldest university in America, the history of Columbia is rich and spanning multiple eras, which you can find out more about in this guide.

The Founding of Columbia University

Columbia was established in 1754, known then as Kings’ College. It was the first university in New York City.

Key Figures in the Establishment

Efforts to establish a university in New York City date back to 1704, when Colonel Lewis Morris petitioned to the Church of England for the founding. However, this was unsuccessful. In 1751 funds were finally raised through the Church of England and, subsequently, King George II founded King’s College (now known as Columbia University).

The first president of the college was Samuel Johnson who was also the only instructor of the first classes, consisting of only eight students in 1754!

Columbia University in the Colonial and Revolutionary Eras

Throughout the 18th century, some influential historical figures were studying at Columbia University and there was significant expansion of subjects taught, including the opening of its medical school in 1767.

Political Influences and the American Revolution

In 1763 the second president of the university, Myles Cooper, was appointed. He was an enthusiastic member of the conservative party in the UK and, due to his political views, often clashed during discussions with student Alexander Hamilton. As the political climate in America grew increasingly tense, the American Revolutionary War eventually broke out in 1776, with classes being temporarily suspended.

Following the American Revolution, the university then reopened under its new name, Columbia University, to emphasise its connection with America instead of the UK. During this time, many other notable historical figures attended Columbia, including President George Washington and Vice President John Adams.

Columbia University in the 19th Century

The 1800’s saw great expansion of the University’s curriculum and campus. A number of new schools were established and the college expanded its buildings in Manhattan.

Curriculum Reform and Expansion

The college’s ninth president Charles King oversaw significant progress in its expansion. The campus moved from Park Place to 49th Street and Madison Avenue, where it remained for the next 50 years. During this time, many historical schools were established including the Law School, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Nursing.

In the late 19th century, the college moved 60 blocks north to Morningside Heights where it still remains today. This move meant the campus could be expanded and, notably, the Low Library was built. At this time Barnard College was also established, allowing women to enrol at Columbia University for the first time.

Columbia University’s Role in the American Civil War

During the American Civil War, students and alumni of Columbia University actively served in the Union armies, primarily in the Volunteer Regiments of the city. In 1861, a staggering 45% of the cohort of college, medical and law students volunteered in the war efforts.

Columbia University in the 20th Century

The 20th century saw drastic change for Columbia University: from being under the government of president Butler, a well known antisemitic and sympathiser of fascism and nazism in the early 1900’s, to the milestones of the first African-American graduate and the first female professor in the mid-century, to the establishment of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the $650 million building project at the end of the century.

Columbia University During World War I

During World War I, a Student Army Training Corps was established on campus to contribute to the war effort. By 1918, more than 2,600 students, alumni and staff of Columbia had served their country in the war.

Columbia University During World War II

In World War II, Columbia University played a crucial role in pressuring the American government to begin research in atomic energy. Subsequently, many scientists at Columbia were involved in the establishment of the Manhattan Project.

Columbia’s campus was also transformed into a navy training center which trained more than 20,000 officers to join the war. Columbia’s medical school also created a hospital in Europe to treat many injured soldiers.

Columbia University After World War II

After the war, Columbia established the School of General Studies to aid in the education of World War II veterans. This program continues to this day with around 600 student veterans enrolled in the university each year.

Columbia University’s Influence in the 21st Century

Columbia continued to lead the world in research as it moved into the 21st century. Each year, scientists at Columbia are credited with about 175 new inventions in the field of health sciences. Today, the top programmes offered at the university include political science, economics and computer science.

Columbia is now known for its academic values and dedication to contributing to the betterment of future society’s health and climate stability.

Current Challenges

Since October 2023, pro-Palestine activism has been widespread across campus in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Subsequently, the university’s president was questioned on the topic of antisemitism which sparked further protests. The scale of the tension from the pro-Palestine campus occupation has led to classes being temporarily moved online in April 2024.

Forward-thinking Initiatives

In 2020, President Bollinger announced the creation of Columbia Climate School to address the global climate crisis. Columbia also has many other initiatives aimed at improving the university’s sustainability including: a pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions, hosting a green market twice a week and the expansion of electrical vehicle charging on campus.