University of Georgia charter, 1785 January 27

Summary

Creator:

Baldwin, Abraham, 1754-1807 and University of Georgia

Date:

1785 January 27

Extent:

1 oversize_folders

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

[Item, box, folder], [Collection title, UA#], University Archives, University of Georgia

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of the original University of Georgia charter.

Biographical / historical:

The University of Georgia charter, dated January 27, 1785, is the founding document of the University of Georgia, and is a significant document in American history for codifying the principle of public higher education in the United States. Its approval by the Georgia General Assembly made the University of Georgia the first state-chartered in the nation.

The charter was authored by Abraham Baldwin, UGA's founder and first president. The text conveys the philosophy and purpose of establishing the University and outlines its governing bylaws, whereby specific powers are afforded to the Board of Visitors and the Board of Trustees--collectively referred to as the Senatus Academicus--as well as the president.

Custodial history:

After the charter's signing in Savannah, it traveled with state records over many years as the state capital changed from Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville, and Atlanta. In 1920, the charter was sent by Samuel Guyton McLendon, Secretary of State, to Peter Meldrim, University of Georgia trustee, to be archived at the University of Georgia.

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Charters -- Georgia.
Education, Higher -- History.
Education, Higher -- Georgia.

Names:

University of Georgia
Baldwin, Abraham, 1754-1807
Habersham, Joseph, 1751-1815

Restrictions:

Due to fragility and rarity this item is not available for general access.

Preferred citation:

[Item, box, folder], [Collection title, UA#], University Archives, University of Georgia