Rutgers

In 1766 Benjamin Franklin’s son William founded a college along New Jersey’s Raritan River.

William Franklin founded Queens College. Queens College was later changed to Rutgers. Named for Revolutionary War hero Colonel Henry Rutgers.

Henry Rutgers was born in New York City in 1745. A graduate of King’s College, Henry Rutgers went on to become a New York assemblyman.

A wealthy New Yorker, Henry Rutgers donated land to schools, charities and churches. Manhattan’s Henry Street and Rutgers Street are named for Henry Rutgers.

Across the Hudson in New Jersey, Queens College was struggling. Closing its doors to students due to financial difficulties. Henry Rutgers provided a financial lifeline to Queens College. After which, Queens College became Rutgers College. The year was 1825.
Rutgers is the second oldest university in New Jersey…20 years younger than Princeton.