As the College of Charleston community celebrates the Fourth of July and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, we are reminded of our university’s close connection to this important date in American history.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston predates the birth of the United States. In fact, three of the College’s founders – Thomas Heyward, Jr., Arthur Middleton and Edward Rutledge – were among the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Although the Revolutionary War postponed the establishment of the College until 1785, the College is, on paper at least, older than our nation.
The College of Charleston is the oldest educational institution south of Virginia, and the 13th oldest in the United States.
