In 1704, an early proponent wrote to the Anglican church proposing the establishment of a college in New York City, stating that it was a suitable location as the center of English America.

Trinity Church, in 1750, held the first class of King's College, which later became Columbia University. The church provided space for the initial 8 students of the college.

King's College was officially founded in New York City as the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. The founding was marked by controversy over its location and religious affiliation, ultimately settling on principles of religious liberty.

In 1758, Joseph Murray's bequest of 8,000 pounds to King's College became the largest single philanthropic gift in the American colonies. By 1775, King's College had become the wealthiest of all colonial colleges.

In 1763, Myles Cooper took over as the president of Columbia University after Samuel Johnson retired. Cooper, an Oxford-trained minister and staunch royalist, faced challenges during the Revolutionary War.

John Jay, a graduate from the Class of 1764 at Columbia University, played a significant role in the founding of America. He was among the notable figures associated with the university during the Revolutionary era.

Robert R. Livingston, a graduate from the Class of 1765 at Columbia University, played a key role in the founding of America. He was among the influential individuals associated with the university during the Revolutionary era.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons was established in 1767, forming the nucleus of a renowned medical center in the United States.

Gouverneur Morris, who graduated from the Class of 1768 at Columbia University, became an important figure in the founding of America. His contributions were notable during the Revolutionary period.

In 1775, Myles Cooper was forced to leave New York by patriots at the start of the Revolutionary War. He sought refuge on a British frigate and sailed to England.

Due to the American Revolution, King's College stopped instruction in 1776 for 8 years as it was used as a medical hospital by both the Continental Army and the British forces.

Alexander Hamilton, a student from the Class of 1778 at Columbia University, later became a key figure in the founding of America. He was one of the influential individuals who emerged from the university during the Revolutionary period.

On May 1, 1784, the New York legislature passed an act granting certain privileges to the college previously known as King's College. The college was renamed Columbia College as a demonstration of support for the new Republic.

On May 21, 1787, William Samuel Johnson, son of Samuel Johnson, was unanimously elected president of Columbia College. Johnson had previously participated in the First Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention.

United States President George Washington and Vice President John Adams attended Columbia’s commencement to honor the alumni who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

Charles H. Wharton assumed the role of president at Columbia University but resigned after seven months, leading to the appointment of Benjamin Moore as his successor.

In 1802, The Philolexian Society, Columbia’s first student-run literary society and its oldest student organization, was founded.

In 1810, a new curriculum was introduced at Columbia College after the 1787 College charter was amended and reenacted.

William Harris took over as president of Columbia University during a challenging period as the institution sought stability post the Revolutionary War.

In November 1813, Columbia University agreed to merge its medical school with The College of Physicians and Surgeons, forming Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

In 1825, The Alumni Association of Columbia College was founded.

William Alexander Duer assumed the presidency at Columbia University, bringing new leadership to the institution.

In 1830, Columbia College revised its curriculum and issued new statutes in preparation for the establishment of the 'University of the City of New York' (later NYU), aiming to attract sons of the city's commercial middle class.

In 1836, a chapter of Alpha Delta Phi was organized at Columbia College, becoming the institution's first national fraternity.

Nathaniel Fish Moore was elected as the eighth president of Columbia University, taking on the responsibility of leading the institution.

Nathanal Fischer Moore published a historical sketch of Columbia University in 1846.

Charles King, a prominent figure in politics and journalism, was elected as the president of Columbia University, overseeing a period of growth and progress.

In 1856, the trustees of Columbia College purchased the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, which would later become part of the university's campus.

Columbia sells its Park Place campus for $600,000 and relocates to 49th Street and Madison Avenue, close to what is now Rockefeller Center. The Main Hall at Park Place is torn down.

In 1858, Columbia College moved from Park Place in lower Manhattan to 49th Street and Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan, where it remained for the next 50 years.

Intercollegiate sports began at Columbia College in 1860 with a baseball game against NYU. This marked the beginning of a new era in sports at the college.

In 1864, the School of Mines was established at Columbia University, becoming the country's first institution of its kind and laying the foundation for the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

In 1867, Columbia began participating in intercollegiate sports, with the establishment of a baseball team. This was followed by the formation of a football team in 1870 and a rowing team in 1873.

Football was added to the roster of intercollegiate sports at Columbia College in 1870. This addition further enriched the sports culture at the college.

In 1873, crew was included in the roster of intercollegiate sports at Columbia College. This addition provided students with more opportunities to participate in sports.

The Graduate Faculties in Political Science, Philosophy, and Pure Science at Columbia University awarded its first PhD in 1875, signifying a milestone in academic achievement.

The student newspaper, the Columbia Daily Spectator, began publication in 1877 and continues to be in circulation till today.

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was established in 1880, providing advanced education and research opportunities in various disciplines.

In 1883, the trustees of Columbia University approved a system for 'Collegiate Education of Women,' allowing qualified women to take Columbia examinations and receive degrees, although they were not permitted to attend Columbia courses.

The Class of 1885 Sundial, designed by Rutherford Professor of Astronomy Harold Jacoby, was presented. The granite sphere was later removed in 1946 due to developing two cracks.

Teachers College was founded in 1887 and is well-known as one of the best in the nation, utilizing the city as a laboratory for education.

Barnard College was created in 1889 as a response to Columbia University's refusal to accept women, under the leadership of President F.A.P. Barnard.

On February 3, 1890, the Association of the Alumni of Columbia College held its annual dinner at the Hotel Brunswick, as depicted in a photo from the University Magazine.

The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons came under the university's umbrella in 1891, enhancing the institution's medical education and research capabilities.

In 1892, the School of Mines (now Engineering), the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the School of Nursing, the School of Library Service (now closed), the School of Architecture and the Law School were established at Columbia University.

Columbia University Press was established in 1893 to promote the study of various subjects and encourage the publication of literary works. It has published notable works like The Columbia Encyclopedia and The Columbia Lippincott Gazetteer of the World.

The Varsity Show, a longstanding tradition at Columbia University, begins in this year.

President Seth Low, CC Class of 1870, leads the dedication of the Morningside Heights campus. He emphasizes the University’s responsibilities to the City of New York, and the trustees officially adopt the name 'Columbia University in the City of New York.' The undergraduate school is renamed Columbia College.

President Low relocated Columbia University from 49th Street to its current location in Morningside Heights, marking a significant expansion for the institution. The move led to the official authorization of the name Columbia University and the construction of iconic buildings like Low Library.

In 1898, the School of Social Work became a part of Columbia University. This integration marked a significant development in the history of social work education.

Nicholas Murray Butler assumed the presidency of Columbia University in 1902, a position he held for over four decades. Despite his significant contributions to the growth of the university, recent scrutiny has arisen due to his controversial views on antisemitism and sympathy towards fascism and Nazism.

The Alma Mater statue by sculptor Daniel Chester French was dedicated on September 23, 1903, as a gift to Columbia University.

On September 24, 1903, the bronze sculpture Alma Mater by Daniel Chester French was unveiled in front of Low Library at Columbia University. The statue is famous for being the subject of many Columbia legends, including the belief that the first student in each new class to find the hidden owl on the statue will become the class valedictorian.

In 1905, Columbia University decided to abolish intercollegiate football as a form of protest against the sport's violence. The ban on football lasted until 1916.

In 1907, Hamilton Hall at Columbia University was opened and celebrated with a meeting of students, alumni, trustees, and officers of the University.

The dedication of the Class of 1885 Sundial was covered in the Columbia Spectator on June 1, 1910.

On July 17, 1912, the College officially became the University following an order by the Supreme Court of the State of New York to change the school's name.

Oscar Hammerstein II, a member of the Columbia College Class of 1916, went on to become a famous alumni known for his contributions to musical theater.

During World War I in 1917, President Butler established the Student Army Training Corps at Columbia University to support the war effort.

In 1919, Columbia University introduced the 'Introduction to Contemporary Civilization' course as the first course in the Core Curriculum. The course focuses on various issues related to communities and values, aiming to prepare students to become active and informed citizens.

In 1920, John Erskine, a Columbia College alumnus, taught the first General Honors course, which served as a precursor to the Humanities sequence in the Core Curriculum.

Columbia University established the Core Curriculum, a communal learning experience for undergraduate students that cultivates community-wide discourse and deliberate contemplation around seminal works, contemporary issues, and humanity’s most enduring questions.

In 1923, undergraduate student Lou Gehrig hit a .403 batting average, blasted seven home runs for a season record, and struck out a record 17 batters in a single game while playing for Columbia University. By the end of the season, he was playing for the New York Yankees.

Lionel Trilling, a Columbia graduate of the class of 1925, later became a prominent professor of English literature and a renowned critic. Alongside his wife Diana, an author, they were influential figures in New York's intellectual circles.

In 1927, Jacques Barzun graduated from Columbia College. Five years later, he graduated from Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. A famed historian and author, he served as provost and dean of the faculties.

Seth Low Junior College was founded in 1928 by Columbia University to reduce the number of Jewish applicants to Columbia College. However, it closed in 1938 due to the Great Depression.

In 1933, Virginia Apgar graduated from Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is renowned for inventing the Apgar score, a method to quickly evaluate the health of newborns after birth.

Butler Library, originally known as South Hall, was opened to replace the outdated Low Memorial Library at Columbia University. It was funded by a $4 million donation from Standard Oil executive Edward S. Harkness and designed by James Gamble Rogers.

In 1937, Columbia University introduced the Literature Humanities requirement, which became a key component of the university's curriculum. This requirement aimed to expose students to a diverse range of literary works and critical thinking.

WKCR-FM, the student-run radio station of Columbia University, began operations on July 18, 1939, broadcasting the first FM transmission in the world. It is considered the oldest FM radio station globally.

In 1940, Charles R. Drew received a doctor of medical science degree from Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, making him the first Black researcher to earn this degree in the United States. His groundbreaking dissertation focused on blood plasma properties and preservation, establishing him as a pioneer in the field of blood banking.

Faculty members I.I. Rabi GSAS ’27, Enrico Fermi, and Polykarp Kusch conduct research on the atom, bringing the physics department of the university into the international spotlight. This research plays a significant role in the university's contributions during World War II, including involvement in The Manhattan Project.

During World War II, Columbia's Morningside Heights campus served as a training center for the Navy, housing a Midshipmen's School that trained over 20,000 officer candidates. Additionally, Columbia's medical school established a hospital in Europe to care for the wounded.

In 1946, the School of International and Public Affairs was founded at Columbia University, focusing on international relations.

In 1947, the School of General Studies was established at Columbia University and initially housed in the Alumni House, now known as Buell Hall.

In 1948, Dwight D. Eisenhower assumed the role of Columbia University's president. He held this position until 1953, when he was elected as the President of the United States.

In 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was serving as the President of Columbia University, was elected as the 34th President of the United States. He had a significant military background, having been a commanding general during World War II.

In 1954, Columbia University celebrates its bicentennial with a year-long celebration focusing on the theme 'Man’s Right to Knowledge and the Free Use Thereof'. The celebration includes a major campus building program and the construction of new buildings for five of the University's schools.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg graduated from Columbia Law School in 1959. She went on to become the first female tenured professor at the law school and the second woman to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ferris Booth Hall opens as the first Columbia student center, named after Ferris Booth CC ’24. It was funded by a donation from Willis Booth, a New York financier. The building served as the Columbia student center until its demolition in 1995.

The Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) was established in 1961 under Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. It focuses on analyzing day-to-day press performance and the factors influencing it.

Columbia College and Barnard College start actively recruiting black applicants. The Students’ Afro-American Society at Columbia becomes the first African-American advocacy group on a multi-racial campus in the United States. Columbians engage in voter-registration drives and civil-rights protest activities.

Students at Columbia University establish the Project Double Discovery, which later evolves into the Double Discovery Center. The program aims to address the disparities between the university and the surrounding community.

The Student Homophile League, considered to be the first gay student organization in the U.S., was established in 1966.

Columbia University grants a charter to the Student Homophile League, the oldest student gay-rights advocacy group in the country. This marks a significant milestone in the history of LGBTQ+ activism on campus.

In April 1968, over 1,000 protesting students occupied five campus buildings at Morningside campus, leading to the shutdown of the University until they were forcibly removed by New York City police officers.

Andrew W. Cordier, a former United Nations diplomat and dean of the School of International Affairs, was appointed as acting president of Columbia University on August 23, 1969, following the campus unrest.

In 1970, William J. McGill assumed the presidency of Columbia University.

The Black Student Organization was established at Columbia University in 1973, providing a platform for black students to come together and advocate for their rights and interests.

Michael I. Sovern took office as the president of Columbia University in 1980.

Lawrence A. Wien CC '25 donates $3 million for the renovation of Baker Field in 1982.

In 1983, Columbia College began admitting women, marking a significant shift in the university's history towards gender inclusivity.

The Lawrence A. Wien Stadium at Baker Field opens in 1984, providing a new venue for sports and events at Columbia University.

In 1987, John Kluge, a Columbia College alumni, founded the Kluge Presidential Scholars Program at Columbia University. The program aimed to provide scholarships for students from underrepresented communities, and it was part of the largest donation ever received by the University.

In 1990, the Extended Core (later Major Cultures) requirement was established at Columbia University.

In 1991, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Columbia was formally established to unify faculty across six schools including Columbia College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and others.

In 1993, George Rupp became the president of Columbia University. Manning Marable also founded the Institute for Research in African-American Studies, which later evolved into the African American and African Diaspora Studies Department.

The book 'Asia in Western and World History: A Guide for Teaching' was published by Columbia University in 1995. It was edited by Ainslie Embree and Carol Gluck.

In 1997, the Columbia Engineering School was renamed the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science in honor of Z. Y. Fu. The school is commonly known as 'SEAS' or 'the engineering school.'

The Tree Lighting ceremony at Columbia University was first held in 1998 to mark the illumination of the trees along College Walk. It has become a festive event with hot chocolate, performances, and speeches, bringing together the student community before finals week.

In 1999, Alfred Lerner Hall, an undergraduate student center, opened at Columbia University. The construction was funded by a generous donation from Alfred Lerner CC '55 and additional contributions.

Lee C. Bollinger, president emeritus of Columbia University, emphasized the importance of broadening the university's global reach and addressing societal challenges in his 2002 inaugural address.

A book written by Robert McCaughey in 2003, providing a detailed history of Columbia University in New York City.

In October 2003, Veronica White was associated with the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University.

On April 7, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

On April 13, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

On April 20, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

On April 27, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

The first group of individuals is honored and recognized in the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame for their exceptional contributions to intercollegiate athletics.

In April 2007, Columbia University purchased a site in Manhattanville for a new campus, which now houses several schools and research centers.

Barack Obama, a Columbia College alumni from the class of 1983, is elected as the 44th President of the United States.

On May 20, 2009, the New York State Public Authorities Control Board approved Columbia University's Manhattanville expansion plan.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg initiated the NYC Media Lab on June 14, 2010, to drive innovation in New York's media industry. The lab, a collaboration between Columbia University, NYU, and NYC Economic Development Corporation, aims to connect companies with universities for technology research.

As of 2011, 33 Columbia University alumni and former students have won a total of 43 Academy Awards. Notable alumni in the film industry include directors Sidney Lumet and Kathryn Bigelow, screenwriters Howard Koch and Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and actors James Cagney, Ed Harris, and Timothée Chalamet.

In 2012, the Campbell Sports Center at Columbia University was completed, providing state-of-the-art facilities for sports and athletics.

In 2013, Columbia College celebrated the 75th anniversary of Literature Humanities with a panel discussion and various gatherings. The event brought together alumni, students, parents, and faculty to reflect on the significance of the Core Curriculum in their lives.

In 2016, Columbia University revealed a plaque to honor the Lenape People and all indigenous individuals who were part of the New York area before and during the colonization of the Americas.

A blog post highlighting five specific attractions to visit during a campus tour of Columbia University.

The Forum was opened in Manhattanville.

As of 2021, Columbia University employs 4,381 faculty members, including Nobel laureates, National Medal of Science recipients, and National Academy members. Columbia faculty played crucial roles during World War II, the New Deal era, and the Manhattan Project.

A digital collection item showcasing Columbia College located on Madison Avenue in New York City.

Minouche Shafik assumed office as the 20th President of Columbia University on July 1, 2023. She was selected by the trustees in consultation with the executive committee of the University Senate.

Professor Jeffrey Sachs from Columbia University stated that the United States is involved in the alleged 'genocide' in Gaza by Israel.

Columbia University marked its inaugural participation in the NCAA Tournament with a celebration.

The Antisemitism Task Force at Columbia University decided not to provide a clear definition of antisemitism.

A student group at Columbia University organized an event that praised the October 7 attacks.

The Public Authorities Control Board grants final approval for Columbia University's plan to expand to a 17-acre site in Manhattanville, including more than 6.8 million square feet of space for teaching, research, parking, and support services. The project is estimated to be completed by 2030.