Today in History: Columbia University

Columbia University and Hudson River
Today in History–July 17–the Library of Congress features Columbia University, first opened as King’s College in New York on this day in 1754. There were quite a few influential men among its first students and trustees, including Gouverneur Morris, a primary author of the Constitution; Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper author and the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury; and John Jay, the nation’s first Chief Justice and also an author of the Federalist Papers. Learn more about this venerable institution by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources.

Columbia University image set

Columbia University manuscripts

Columbia University books & articles

Columbia University historical newspaper coverage

City Spotlight: New York City

State Spotlight: New York