Early American Colleges P1

Just as Christians established early education in America, they also pioneered higher education. The subsequent impact of their early schools was strongly felt through their training of rising generations. Virtually all youth who attended college we’re directly influenced by clergy, who frequently were the presidents of the colleges as well as their professors.

Henricus, 1622

In 1618, the Virginia Company obtained a charter from King James I to establish a college in Virginia, which they named Henricus (Henricus was a Virginia city established in 1611. It is the Latin name for Prince Henry, King James' son, who died while young). Its purpose was to train both the children of settlers and the children of natives. By 1622, a teaching staff had been chosen and construction at the college begun. But during the building process, Native Americans who had long been friendly neighbors attached unexpectedly, resulting in what is called the "Great Massacre.” The college never offered a single class, and the attack stopped further efforts for any college in Virginia until 70 hears later.

Content sourced from The American Story, The Beginning. David Barton and Tim Barton