1776

College Hall in 1776

1776 in Columbia history:

• In this year, King's College was shut down due to events surrounding the Revolutionary War, suspending instruction for eight years
• Phi Beta Kappa is established at the College of William and Mary; the Columbia chapter is not established until well into the 19th century

Spring

• Commencement is cancelled "for want of our absent President": Myles Cooper had fled from an angry Revolutionary mob the previous year
• British expropriate College Hall for use as a military hospital after occupying New York City
• The college is offered quarters on Wall Street to continue instruction, but nothing comes of it

Fall

• September 16: The Battle of Harlem Heights takes place on and around the future Morningside Heights campus

Preceded by 1775

History of Columbia University  1776

Succeeded by 1777