Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It was founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of George II of Great Britain and is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.
History
- Foundation: Initially established under the name King's College, it was the only college in New York at the time, serving as a center for the education of the Anglican clergy.
- Revolutionary Era: During the American Revolution, King's College was closed due to the war and later reopened as Columbia College in 1784 following the end of the conflict, reflecting the new republican spirit.
- 19th Century: In the 19th century, the college expanded its curriculum, introducing new courses and aligning with the land-grant mission. In 1896, the university moved to its current location in Morningside Heights, which allowed for significant expansion.
- 20th Century: Columbia played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb through its scientists' involvement in the Manhattan Project. During this time, it also became a hub for intellectual and political activism.
- Modern Era: Today, Columbia is renowned for its research facilities, with significant contributions to numerous fields including economics, literature, journalism, and science.
Campus
Columbia's main campus spans over 32 acres in Morningside Heights, featuring notable architecture like the Low Memorial Library and Butler Library. The campus is known for its neoclassical architecture and the McKim, Mead & White design.
Academic Structure
Columbia University comprises twenty schools, including:
Notable Alumni and Faculty
Columbia has been home to numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and world leaders, including:
Research and Libraries
Columbia University Libraries are among the top five academic library systems in North America, with over 12 million volumes, including extensive collections on Human Rights, East Asian Studies, and Rare Books and Manuscripts.
External Links
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