Few People Know Georgia Was Home To The First State-Chartered University In America
By Lisa Sammons|Published April 11, 2023
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
The University of Georgia is pretty integral to the Peach State’s identity. Sure, you’ve got small pockets of Georgia Tech fans, and even Georgia Southern fans, all over the state, but there’s nothing like a Saturday in Athens. Red and black are practically a state uniform, and there are tons of UGA fans and alumni spread all over the state. But not many people know just how historic of an institution the University of Georgia is. The University was the first state-chartered college in America, and arguably the first public college in America. The original charter for the University was granted by the state in 1785. It’s often called the “birthplace of the American system of higher education.”
There's actually some contention as to what is truly the oldest public college in the country, and three colleges have a claim to the title.
The University of Georgia was definitely the first state-chartered university, but the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admitted students in 1795, six years prior to UGA. The College of William and Mary in Virginia was founded in 1693, but remained a private school until 1906.
Though founded in 1785, the University of Georgia didn't admit any students until 1801. The first graduation ceremony was held in 1804, and the first building was not completed until 1805.
Much of UGA's North Campus has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One beautiful part of North Campus is the Founders Memorial Garden, which was planted in the 1930s and contains over 300 species of plants.
The Arch was constructed in 1858 and has become a symbol of the college itself. It serves as an entrance to campus and was designed to represent the three branches of Georgia government.
Whether you're a football fan or not, you have to admit that the fact Georgia had the first state-chartered school in the country is a pretty big deal!
Did you attend the University of Georgia, and do you love Athens, Georgia? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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