March 13 in American History

March 13, 1639 — Harvard College is named

The colonial college founded three years earlier in Massachusetts was named for John Harvard, a young minister who left it his library and half his estate. As the first institution of higher learning in the colonies, it began the American tradition of building schools almost as soon as there were towns to hold them.

Common Questions

What happened on March 13 in American history?

In 1639: Harvard College is named. The colonial college founded three years earlier in Massachusetts was named for John Harvard, a young minister who left it his library and half his estate.

Why is March 13 significant?

The colonial college founded three years earlier in Massachusetts was named for John Harvard, a young minister who left it his library and half his estate. As the first institution of higher learning in the colonies, it began the American tradition of building schools almost as soon as there were towns to hold them.

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