Washington College, the first college chartered in the new nation, is founded to “nurse the souls of our youth up to the love of LIBERTY and KNOWLEDGE.” George Washington lends his name to this College during his lifetime and serves on its board. Founder Dr. William Smith (1727-1803), a Scottish immigrant, aims to keep “the legacy of the country’s founders alive, preserving their ideals and virtues into the distant future” with “youth of all religious denominations…freely and liberally admitted.”

Baltimore riots over the War of 1812
Congress declares 1812 War. Large Baltimore mob attacks publisher of strong anti-war newspaper. Revolutionary war vet and 2 rioters are killed; many injured including Robert E. Lee’s father. Baltimore becomes known as “Mobtown.”



