Washington College

Step onto the historic grounds of Washington College, a distinguished private liberal arts institution nestled in Chestertown, Maryland. Unique among American colleges, Washington College proudly holds the distinction of being the only institution of higher education established with the direct consent and involvement of George Washington himself. This deep historical connection makes it a truly special place, offering a learning environment steeped in the very foundation of the United States.

The college’s roots run deep, evolving from the esteemed Kent County Free School, which had served the community for over two centuries. In 1782, the Maryland legislature granted its inaugural college charter, officially establishing Washington College. George Washington not only lent his revered name but also pledged 50 guineas towards its foundation and actively served on its Board of Visitors and Governors—his sole engagement with any institution of higher learning. This profound connection shaped the college’s early identity, guided by its first president, the Reverend William Smith, alongside other distinguished colonial figures like Maryland Governor William Paca.

From its inaugural commencement in 1783 to the present day, Washington College has maintained a rich legacy. Though its original building was lost to fire in 1827, the spirit of its founders endures through iconic structures like the Hill Dorms (Middle, East, and West Halls), erected in the mid-19th century and now recognized on the Maryland Register of Historic Places. Beyond its architectural heritage, the college has continued to attract national attention, hosting five U.S. Presidents since Washington’s time, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.

As a private liberal arts college with a robust $0.3 billion endowment, Washington College offers a vibrant, academically rigorous environment. It empowers students through a curriculum that fosters critical thinking and a deep understanding of the world, all within a setting that gracefully blends historic significance with modern educational excellence.