Essentials
Essentials
African American Students
History of African American students at William & Mary, starting in the 1950s and leading up through 1969 with the first students to live on campus and beyond.African Americans at William & Mary
This page includes material previously assembled in subject files and FAQs about African Americans at William & Mary. This information includes "firsts" as well as ongoing data and material.American Civil War
The outbreak of the Civil War found Williamsburg with a population of 1600 citizens. Some sixty young men attended William & Mary. Benjamin S. Ewell, president of the College, and a West Point graduate, was elected captain of the College militia when war fever swept the campus in January 1861.American Revolution
William & Mary During the War Classes at William & Mary were suspended when the British army invaded Virginia in January 1781. Classes resumed in the Fall of 1782. Several students who attended the Indian School fought in the Revolutionary War.Asian Americans at William & Mary
The first Asian American student to attend William & Mary was Art Matsu, class of 1928. Other early Asian American students and faculty include...Boundary stones
Two 17th century boundary stones erected to mark the property of William & Mary survive. One of the stones can be seen in a display case located on the first floor of Swem Library, near the Lemonade mural.Coat of Arms
William & Mary was the first American institution of higher learning with a royal coat of arms. It was issued on May 14, 1694 by the College of Arms in London. The buildings featured are not modeled on buildings at William & Mary as the coat of arms was received before construction of the…College Bowl
William & Mary participated in the National College Bowl, a quiz show that tested both general knowledge and quick reasoning skills. The show was taped at the CBS Studio in New York City. William & Mary took part in two nationally televised tournaments in 1960 and 1966. William & Mary…College Flag
The official College Flag of William & Mary was adopted in 1998 by the Board of Visitors. The flag has a green background with the university's Coat of Arms in the middle of the flag. The flag was presented to the College of William & Mary by William F. Mirguet, Jr., class of 1962 and a…College Mace
The College Mace is carried by the president of the Student Assembly at all official William & Mary convocations, such as Opening Convocation, Commencement, Charter Day, and other special convocations, as a symbol of the authority vested in the rector of the College and delegated to the…Colonial Pageant
The Colonial Pageant was presented behind the Wren Building on July 4, 1921. The Pageant's participants consisted of William & Mary faculty, students and Williamsburg residents. Earl Gregg Swem wrote the pageant and it was arranged by a committee of Mrs. J.M. Haughwout, E.G. Swem, Dr. John…Concerts
Concerts have regularly been held at William & Mary in various buildings as well as outdoors. Organizations such as the Choir, Wind Ensemble, and other similar groups have regular concerts throughout the year, while national and regional touring acts perform on campus at various times…Duc caps
Beanies worn by first-year students at William & Mary in the twentieth century were known as duc caps. The word "duc" was a shortening of the word "introductory" and referred to the introductory courses underclassmen were enrolled in. The term ducs was also generally used to apply to classes.…Frenchman's Map
The Frenchman's Map is a map of Williamsburg dated May 11, 1782. It was drafted by an unknown Frenchman probably stationed with Rochambeau's army. Its marvelous detail suggests perhaps a billeting map for the French army following the Battle of Yorktown. It has been called the "Bible of the…Funding William & Mary
In 1697, William & Mary President Rev. James Blair signed an agreement with the executors of the estate of the famous English scientist Robert Boyle, who bequeathed 5,400 pounds of his estate for "pious and charitable uses."Graffiti
References to notable, infamous, etc. graffiti on or near the campus of William & Mary are included here.Great Depression
The College of William & Mary During the Great DepressionKu Klux Klan Flagpole
In 1926, the College of William & Mary accepted and used a flagpole donated by the Ku Klux Klan, but President Julian A. C. Chandler repudiated KKK politics in his remarks during the ceremony. "College presidents sometimes face difficult decisions, knowing that whatever they decide, someone…Latinos at William & Mary
This wiki page related to Latinos at the College of William & Mary is in-progress and could use your help in conducting research. ContentsLottery
A lottery was held for the benefit of William & Mary at various times from about 1804-1812. References Lottery, University Archives Subject File Collection, Special Collections Research Center, Earl Gregg Swem Library, William & Mary.Marischal Mace
The Marischal Mace is carried by a representative of the Graduate Council at all official William & Mary convocations. A gift from the University of Aberdeen in honor of the College of William & Mary's 300th anniversary, the mace was presented by the University's Principal and Vice…Popular Culture References to William & Mary
This is a draft list of books, television, and other mediums to make reference to William & Mary either as characters' backstories or in setting the tales at the university.President's Medallion
The first President's Medallion depicts William & Mary's coat of arms and the W&M cipher. The medallion was crafted by Charles Eugene ("Mike") Stousland, Jr., class of 1941. Stousland was Chair of the Department of Architecture at Miami University of Ohio and also crafted jewelry and small…Prohibition
Material in the Special Collections Research Center related to Prohibition. To search for further material, see Finding Materials in the SCRC for an introduction to the SCRC Collections Database, card catalogs, Flat Hat-William & Mary News-Alumni Gazette index, etc. Questions? Contact the SCRC…Rankings
1987 - US News ranked 22nd among "national universities" 1997 - US News - 6th among public universities 1997 - US News - 2nd in "quality education while spending relatively less" 1999 - US News - 6th among public universities 1999 - Newsweek's "Hot Schools" list 1999 - Kiplinger's Personal Finance…