Washington and Lee University

Picture this: the year was 1749. Nestled about 20 miles north of its currently known location, the roots of Washington and Lee University sprouted. It was a simple classical school, established by Scots-Irish Presbyterian pioneers. Known then as the Augusta Academy, it was the seed from which one of the earliest institutions of higher education grew. The cradle of knowledge was renamed Liberty Hall in 1776.

The early trustees of this institution were prominent men from the area, which included a list of notable names like Andrew Lewis and Samuel McDowell. The institution began to truly take shape in 1780, moving to Lexington and gaining chartering as Liberty Hall Academy. In 1785, the academy handed its first graduate his bachelor's degree.

An interesting fact that really highlights the forward-thinking nature of the institution is its inclusivity. The first African American student, a free black by the name of John Chavis, was admitted as early as 1795. A man of many accomplishments, Chavis was an American Revolution veteran and later became an ordained Presbyterian minister. However, it wasn’t until 1966 that the university welcomed its next African American student into its law school.

In 1796, the institution's future trajectory was sealed with a generous endowment of $20,000 in the form of 100 stocks in James River Canal. A donation from none other than George Washington himself, it was one of the biggest gifts ever given to an educational institution in the U.S at that time. This rescue operation saved Liberty Hall from insolvency and out of gratitude, the trustees renamed the school to Washington Academy. The school's current name, Washington and Lee University, came into being in 1813.

Fast forward to the 1820s, the now University took its current architectural form with the funds donated by a local merchant, "Jockey" John Robinson. Robinson's estate was significant in the history of the University as it included between 70 and 80 enslaved people. Although the University benefited from their unpaid labour and in some instances, their sales, it joined institutions like Harvard and Brown in 2014 in publicly acknowledging and regretting their participation in the institution of slavery.

One of the most pivotal moments in the University's history was during the Civil War. The students hoisted the Confederate flag in support of Virginia’s secession. Later, Union Captain Henry A. du Pont was so moved by the statue of George Washington (fondly known as Old George), he refused to destroy the Colonnade. After the Civil War, in 1865, the University was graced by the presence of Robert E. Lee. Despite being offered numerous business opportunities, Lee chose to accept the offer of becoming Washington College's president with a vision to train young men for their duty.

Under Lee's leadership, the University thrived, establishing journalism and engineering courses, a law school, and a business school. However, Lee's tenure wasn't without controversy. His perceived indifference to violent crimes against blacks committed by students was widely debated amongst historians. After his death in 1870, the college was renamed to honor him, as Washington and Lee University.

Following Lee's death, the institution continued its dedication towards educational innovation, expansion, and modernization. It was also during the 20th century that the institution transformed from being an all-men's college to a co-ed institution. The evidence of its growth can be seen in the mushrooming science departments, new law school buildings, and successful multimillion-dollar capital campaigns.

The first half of the 20th century saw many traditions formed including the Fancy Dress Ball and Mock Convention, euphorically experienced by students even today. Not forgetting generous alumni like Rupert Johnson Jr, a 1962 graduate and vice chairman of the $600 billion Franklin Templeton investment management firm, who gifted $100 million to the institution.

Fast tracking to the current era, as recently as 2014, a large Confederate battle flag and related state flags were removed from the University Chapel. This move followed protests from black students who felt the school was unwelcoming to minorities. Subsequent calls for disassociation from Lee’s name by certain sections of students, faculty, and alumni were balanced by defenses of the association with Lee from others.

As of now, after 11 months of deliberation, in June 2021, the board voted 22–6 to keep the name intact. Thus, with its proud name intact, Washington and Lee University embarks on another chapter on its long, storied journey. History truly lives here in the halls and corridors of this esteemed institution dedicated to the future.