Georgetown University, First Catholic College

In 1789, Georgetown University became the first United States Catholic college.

The pope appointed the Jesuit, John Carroll as head of the Catholic Church in the United States. Father Carroll felt that in order for the church to thrive, the new United States needed a Catholic School. He then started petitioning and building Georgetown University. Though construction started in 1788, the deed to the land says 1789. For this reason, they celebrate the founding in 1789. Now, this university has had many graduates that have helped change the world.