Hampden-Sydney College

History

Classes at Hampden-Sydney began in temporary wooden structures on November 10, 1775, on the eve of the American War of Independence. The College has been in continuous operation since that date, and despite the difficult and financially-strapped first years resulting from the Revolutionary War, the College survived with sufficient viability to be granted a charter by the Virginia General Assembly in 1783 ? the oldest private charter in the South.

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Hampden-Sydney College derives its name from John Hampden (1594-1643) and Algernon Sydney (1622-1683). Hampden lost his life in the battle of Chalgrove Field during the English Civil War. Sydney, who wrote Discourses Concerning Government, was beheaded by order of Charles II following a failed attempt to overthrow the king. These proponents of religious and civil liberties were much admired by the founders of the College, all of whom were active supporters of the cause of American independence.

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The College, long noted for its beauty, has expanded from its original small cluster of buildings on 100 acres (0.4 km²) to a campus of nearly 700 acres (2.8 km²) with numerous Federal-style buildings. Part of the campus is designated a National Historic Preservation Zone. Construction of a new library and new fine arts facility is planned.

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