When Reverend Benjamin Wofford died in 1850, he bequeathed $100,000 to “establish a college of literary, classical, and scientific education to be located in my native district and to be under the control and management of the Methodist Church of my native state”. This was one of the largest financial contributions to higher education in America prior to the Civil War.
After his will was settled, construction began on 170 acres in downtown Spartanburg, S.C. in 1851. Classes began in 1854, with seven students and three faculty members (average enrollment is about 1700 students today). Wofford College’s first degree was awarded in 1856 to Samuel Dibble, who later went on to become a U.S. Congressman.
Wofford is one of the only Southern schools built before the Civil War that is still on its original campus. Five of its original six buildings are still standing and in daily use. It was designated a National Historic District in 1974.
Wofford consistently ranks high on Forbes lists of top colleges as well as in USA Today and several other pubications. I even found one list where it achieved an A- rating for its party life! Not too bad!
Wofford’s entire 170 acre campus was designated the Roger Milliken Abortorium in 2002 and more than 5,000 trees have been planted there since 1992. If you haven’t visited this campus lately, I encourage you to do so. It is truly beautiful. Just watch out for the speed bumps, they will launch a car!
Wow that is kinda cool!!!!
Thank you Donna!