University Hall, Harvard University!

What Is University Hall, Harvard University?

This is the oldest stone building on the Harvard University campus and a National Historic Landmark!

What Makes It Historical?

Back in 1810, a year at Harvard cost a whopping $150, a far cry from today’s $76,763.00, but high enough that architect, Charles Bulfinch, needed a special way to pay the tuition for his son, Thomas! So, he set to work on a multipurpose building for the school, fully equipped with classrooms, dining halls, a chapel, and the Harvard president’s office! After it opened in 1815, University Hall entertained many famous guests, including Presidents James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, and Martin Van Buren!

University Hall was also the site of the Rebellion of 1818, a huge food fight between classes in several dining halls! It was kicked off on November 1st by a single slice of buttered bread and expanded into hot coffee, plates, and blocks of wood! Some students were suspended, and others protested the suspensions. Well, actually, all 80 sophomores protested, and all 80 (including Ralph Waldo Emerson) resigned from the school and were formally expelled. 30 reapplied and were readmitted.

How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?

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Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!