Harvard College was established in 1636 by the vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Harvard college was named after its first benefactor, British-born John Harvard of Charlestown.
In 1650, Massachusetts Governor Thomas Dudley signed the charter creating the corporation of Harvard College.
In the early years, Harvard College offered a classic academic course based on the English university model, but consistent with the prevailing Puritan philosophy of the first colonists in New England.
Many of its earliest graduates went on to become clergymen in Puritan churches throughout New England.
Harvard's early motto was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae "Truth for Christ and the Church."
On June 11, 1685, Increase Mather became the Acting President of Harvard College.
On July 23, 1686 he was appointed the Rector, and on June 27, 1682 he became the President of Harvard, a position which he held until September 6, 1701.
During the 17th century, Harvard established an Indian College for Native Americans.
But by 1693, it had disappeared by 1693.
Harvard was "privatized" between 1830 and 1870.
Harvard experienced growth that placed it financially in a league of its own among American colleges.
Though Harvard ended required chapel in the mid-1880s, the school remained culturally Protestant.
During the twentieth century, Harvard's international reputation grew as a burgeoning endowment and prominent professors expanded the university's scope.
Explosive growth in the student population continued with the addition of new graduate schools and the expansion of the undergraduate program.
Radcliffe College was established in 1879 as sister school of Harvard College.
Harvard and its affiliates, like most American universities, are considered to be politically liberal (left of center).
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