Reinhardt University

Reinhardt University stands as a testament to vision and resilience, rooted in a powerful commitment to uplift its community. Born from the determination to provide accessible education in post-Civil War North Georgia, it embodies a spirit of local empowerment and enduring dedication to learning. Prospective students and families will find a rich history of academic provision shaped by community needs.

The university's story began in 1883 when former Confederate Army Captain Augustus M. Reinhardt and Lieutenant-Colonel John J. A. Sharp, both locals of Waleska, commenced plans to open a school. Witnessing the hardships of Reconstruction in impoverished Cherokee County, these men were driven by a profound desire to offer educational opportunities. Reinhardt secured a strong minister and teacher, offering a substantial $1,000 yearly salary, while Sharp acquired a sawmill to prepare for building construction, showcasing a remarkable community effort.

In 1884, Reinhardt Academy opened its doors, initially in an old cabinet and wood shop, with Emory College graduate James T. Linn as its first teacher. Named in honor of Reinhardt's father, Lewis W. Reinhardt, who had established a local church, the school quickly found its permanent home. After a tornado provided an unexpected supply of timber, community officials and citizens collaborated to construct the school's first three-story framed building, which students moved into by January 1885, capable of housing 11 classes.

Over the next century, this foundational commitment to education fostered significant growth. The campus expanded from its humble beginnings to an impressive 90-acre building site, encompassing an overall 540-acre college campus. While the original 19th-century buildings no longer stand, Reinhardt University's legacy continues to be built on its historical significance as a beacon of learning, providing a nurturing educational environment deeply connected to its North Georgia roots.