Columbia College, Liberal arts college in Manhattan's Morningside Heights, United States
Columbia College is a liberal arts institution in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, offering undergraduate degrees across numerous academic disciplines. The campus features several red brick and limestone buildings arranged around a central courtyard with an open lawn area.
Founded in 1754 under the name King's College by royal charter during British colonial rule, the institution received its current name in 1784 after the Revolution. The campus later moved to its present Morningside Heights location during the late 19th century.
The term King's College survives in archival records and nameplates that visitors can spot around administrative buildings. Students today use the expansive lawn as an informal meeting ground and gathering space between lectures.
The subway station at 116th Street sits within walking distance of the main entrance, providing quick access to the rest of Manhattan. Visitors can explore the outdoor areas during daytime hours, though interior spaces remain mostly restricted to enrolled students and staff.
The steps in front of the main building serve as an improvised stage for the annual Orgo Night event, where a marching band performs just before midnight ahead of organic chemistry exams. The tradition began in the 1970s and now draws hundreds of spectators who gather on the lawn.
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