Oberlin College, a private liberal arts institution located in Oberlin, Ohio, holds a unique and significant place in the history of American higher education. Founded in 1833, it quickly distinguished itself through its progressive policies, particularly its early commitment to inclusivity. Oberlin was the first institution of higher learning in the United States to regularly admit African American students, beginning in 1835. Just two years later,
in 1837, it also became the oldest continuously coeducational institution by admitting women as full-fledged students. This foundational commitment to diversity and equality established Oberlin as a beacon of progressive ideals, earning it recognition as a National Historic Landmark.
Early Foundations and Progressive Ideals
The origins of Oberlin College and the town of Oberlin trace back to 1833, when two Presbyterian ministers, John Shipherd and Philo P. Stewart, established them. They named their endeavor in honor of Jean-Frédéric Oberlin, an Alsatian pastor they deeply admired. The college was built on 500 acres of land donated by a Connecticut owner, with Shipherd and Stewart envisioning a religious community alongside a school. From its inception, Oberlin embraced a motto of "Learning and Labor," reflecting a belief in the value of both intellectual pursuit and practical work. This early vision laid the groundwork for an institution that would consistently challenge the norms of its time.
Under the leadership of its second president, Charles Grandison Finney, Oberlin gained further prominence. The college's founders proudly declared that "Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good," a sentiment that underscored its distinctive approach to education and social issues. This peculiarity was most evident in its admissions policies. The decision to admit African American students in 1835 was groundbreaking, making Oberlin a singular institution in a nation grappling with slavery and racial inequality. This commitment was further solidified by the admission of four women as full students in 1837: Mary Kellogg (Fairchild), Mary Caroline Rudd, Mary Hosford, and Elizabeth Prall. Mary Jane Patterson, who graduated in 1862, became the first Black woman to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, further highlighting Oberlin's pioneering role.
A Cradle of Abolitionism and Social Justice
Oberlin's progressive stance extended beyond its campus gates, deeply influencing the broader abolitionist movement. One historian even referred to Oberlin as "the place that gave birth to the Civil War" due to its strong reputation as a center for abolitionism. The college and town served as a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge and assistance to enslaved people seeking freedom. This active involvement in the fight against slavery brought national attention and, at times, controversy to Oberlin.
A notable instance of this activism was the "Oberlin-Wellington Rescue" in 1858, a nationally recognized event involving students and faculty in the rescue of a fugitive slave. This incident underscored the community's unwavering commitment to its anti-slavery principles. Furthermore, several individuals connected to Oberlin played direct roles in significant abolitionist actions. Lewis Sheridan Leary and John Anthony Copeland, both involved in the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue, along with another Oberlin resident, Shields Green, participated in John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. This profound legacy of activism is commemorated on campus by Cameron Armstrong's 1977 "Underground Railroad Monument," a sculpture depicting railroad tracks emerging from the earth and pointing skyward, as well as monuments in the town dedicated to the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue and the Harpers Ferry raid.
Enduring Legacy and Modern Affiliations
Oberlin College's historical commitment to progressive causes has shaped its enduring identity. The institution's colors, originally cardinal red and mikado yellow, now commonly crimson and gold, were formally designated in 1889, inspired by the family crest of John Frederick Oberlin. These colors are officially preserved in the American Council on Education's register of school colors. Beyond its historical milestones, Oberlin continues to be an active participant in the academic community.
Today, Oberlin is a member of the Great Lakes Colleges Association and the Five Colleges of Ohio consortium, fostering collaboration and shared resources among peer institutions. Its consistent dedication to its founding principles of learning, labor, and social justice has cemented its place as a historically significant and continuously evolving institution in American higher education. The college's early struggles, including fundraising efforts in England in 1839-40 by Reverend Keep and William Dawes, highlight the dedication required to sustain its unique mission, a mission that continues to resonate through its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence.
