Cornell University: A History

Early Days and Founding

  • 10/09/1868: John J. Davis writes to his brother Charles, describing his room in Cascadilla Place at Cornell University.
  • Inauguration: The inauguration exercises were attended, with President White and the faculty sworn in by Lieutenant Governor Woodford.
  • Early Enrollment: Over 400 young men began their studies at Cornell University in the fall of 1868.
  • Historical Significance: Cornell's history is crucial for understanding the development of American universities.
  • Key Figures: The story of Cornell's beginning revolves around Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dixon White.
  • Collaboration: Their partnership was special, forging a new approach to higher education and changing the world.
  • Pioneering Spirit: Cornell's willingness to innovate has been key to its stature in American higher education.

Ezra Cornell: From Carpenter to Philanthropist

  • 1828: Ezra Cornell arrives in Ithaca, New York, seeking his fortune.
  • Early Life: Born in 1807 in New Britain (The Bronx), his family moved west after his father's financial loss.
  • Quaker Values: Cornell was influenced by Quaker values of plainness, simplicity, and integrity.
  • Self-Education: Despite limited formal education (third grade), Cornell educated himself through reading.
  • Early Skills: As a boy, he cleared land and built a home for his family.
  • Departure: Leaving home with little money, he sought work and order in Central New York.
  • Ithaca's Growth: In 1868, Ithaca was emerging as an important point due to the Erie Canal System.
  • Canal Vision: Cornell foresaw Ithaca rivaling Albany and Buffalo due to canal completion.
  • Community Impact: Cornell helped construct a tunnel through East Hill and created Beebe Lake.
  • Marriage: He married Mary Ann Wood.
  • Early Struggles: The Sodus Canal project failed, and Cornell faced debt and personal losses.
  • Travel for Work: In 1843, he took a job selling plows in Maine and Georgia.
  • Observations: Cornell documented his travels, providing valuable insights into the young nation.
  • Witnessing Slavery: In Charleston, South Carolina, he witnessed the selling of men, condemning it as evil.
  • Telegraph Beginnings: In Maine, he met Samuel Morse and built a plow to lay underground cable for the telegraph. He then suggested using poles instead.
  • Telegraph Pioneer: Cornell ran the first telegraph line, experiencing the