The history of Franklin and Marshall College is fascinating. The college was established in 1787 through a gift of 200 British pounds by Benjamin Franklin, and the college was named in his honor. In 1836, Marshall College opened its doors in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. The school was named for John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. The school struggled and during the latter part of the 1840s it was in danger of closing.
In 1853, the two colleges merged. James Buchanan, who would go on to become the 15th US President, was named the first president of Franklin & Marshall. Since the newly-formed college needed a new campus, the city of Lancaster donated $25,000 and the site Buchanan chose was on the northwestern end of Lancaster – known as “Gallows Hill” because it was the place where Lancaster once held public executions. It was the highest point in the city. The new college opened in 1856. Recitation Hall, the towering Gothic Revival building, is now known as Old Main.
Today the prestigious, private college includes the Franklin and Marshall College Campus Historic District, an area consisting of 14 buildings, including Old Main, Diagnothian Hall, and Goethean Hall. The college has been named one of the most rigorous and one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. It is highly selective, admitting about 35 percent of applicants.
The F&M Diplomats compete in NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. Sports teams include football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. The wrestling team competes in NCAA Division I.
Lancaster is a great location for apartments near Franklin & Marshall College. The college is located just northwest of downtown in the Northwest Corridor neighborhood. Historic Lancaster was part of William Penn’s Penn’s Woods Charter of 1681. James Hamilton laid out the town in 1734, and the borough was incorporated in 1742. Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic sites, Lancaster is a charming destination for anyone wanting to live in the F&M area.
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