College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary is the second oldest university in the United States. Founded (as the College of William and Mary in Virginia, which is still its official title) under royal charter from King William and Queen Mary of England, the College was established in Williamsburg, Virginia on February 8, 1693. Built between 1695 and 1699, the College's Sir Christopher Wren Building is the oldest continuously used academic building in the United States.

The College was fertile ground for student activity, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, which saw the creation of groups such as Phi Beta Kappa and The Bishop James Madison Society, a secret society that remains active today.

Famous Alumni

• Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States, founder of the University of Virginia
• Glenn Close, actress
• Jon Stewart, comedian

External Links

• College of William and Mary official home page