02/25/1795 AD founded

Union was the first non-denominational institution of higher education in the US, and the second college established in the State of New York.

Schenectady had been founded and populated by people originating from the Netherlands. With about 4,000 residents, it was the third largest city in the state, after New York City and Albany. The local Dutch Reformed Church began to show an interest in establishing an academy or college under its auspices there. In 1778, it invited the Rev. Dirck Romeyn of New Jersey to visit. Returning home, he authored a plan in 1782 for such an institution, and was summoned two years later to come help found it.

The Schenectady Academy was established in 1785 as the city's first organized school. It immediately flourished, reaching an enrollment of about 100 within a year. By at least 1792 it offered a full four-year college course, as well as one of elementary and practical subjects taught mainly to girls.

Attempts to charter the Academy as a college with the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York were initially rejected, but in 1794 the school reapplied as "Union College", a name chosen to reflect the resolution of its founders that the school should be free of any specific religious affiliation.

The resulting institution was awarded its charter on February 25, 1795 – still celebrated by the College as "Founders' Day".

Schenectady, NY

Lattitude: 42.8141° N
Longitude: 73.9372° W
Region: North America

Modern Day United States

Events in 1795 MORE