Gettysburg College

Step into a legacy of learning at Gettysburg College, an institution deeply intertwined with American history. Founded in 1832, the college began its journey as Pennsylvania College, a sister institution to the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Its inception was notably influenced by Samuel Simon Schmucker and the radical abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens, setting a tone for engaged scholarship from its very beginning.

From its foundational years, Gettysburg College demonstrated an ambitious drive for academic expansion. In 1839, it extended its reach by establishing the Medical School of Pennsylvania College in Philadelphia, attracting esteemed physicians like George McClellan, founder of Jefferson Medical College. This venture, though ultimately short-lived, highlights the college's early commitment to diverse fields of study and its willingness to innovate within the educational landscape.

The medical school faced significant challenges, including financial difficulties and the withdrawal of students from Southern states during the tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War, which ultimately led to its closure in 1861. This chapter underscores the profound impact of national events on even the most forward-thinking educational endeavors. Today, Gettysburg College continues to uphold a tradition of academic rigor, inviting students to become part of a community that values its rich past while fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking for the future.