Franklin & Marshall College Franklin & Marshall College

Celebrating 225 Years

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Celebrating 225 Years

History

Franklin & Marshall College is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States.

Its roots stem from Franklin College, founded in 1787 with a generous financial contribution from Benjamin Franklin.

Classes began on July 16, 1787, with instruction in both English and German, making Franklin College the first bilingual college in the country.

Read more about our mission and history.

  • beginnings

  • This brew house on Mifflin Street was the sight of the first classes held at Franklin College. The building was razed around 1900. (Courtesy of Archives and Special Collections)

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  • Old Main, dedicated in 1856, is flanked by Goethan and Diagnothian halls in this 19th-Century image. (Courtesy of Archives and Special Collections)