page_title: History of the University of South Carolina
section_title: South Carolina College
hierarchical_section_title: History of the University of South Carolina / Firebrand college, 1801–1862 / South Carolina College
caption_attribution_description: English: Jonathan Maxcy (1768-1820). Rear of canvas is inscribed with "“Rev. Jon’n Maxcy, Preacher of the First Baptist Society of Providence, R.I., 1792" and "Jon’n Trumbull, 1793"[1]
context_page_description: This History of the University of South Carolina began in the 18th century when intersectional differences arose between the Lowcountry and the Upstate. It was conceived that a state supported college located in the center of the state at Columbia, South Carolina would foster friendships between those of both regions thus allowing the state to present a united front to the nation when threatened with issues jeopardizing the South Carolina way of life. The University of South Carolina's history can be described in four distinct phases: a firebrand college, constant reorganization, college to university and the state's university.
context_section_description: The University was founded as South Carolina College on December 19, 1801 by an act of the General Assembly after Governor John Drayton pushed for its foundation on November 23, 1801.  The establishment of a publicly funded college at the capital was intended to unite and promote harmony between the Lowcountry and the Backcountry.  On January 10, 1805, having an initial enrollment of nine students, the college commenced classes with a traditional classical curriculum. Jonathan Maxcy was its first president and served until his death in 1820.
  With the generous support of the General Assembly, South Carolina College acquired a reputation as the leading institution of the South and attracted several noteworthy scholars, including Francis Lieber, Thomas Cooper, and Joseph LeConte.  However, the college suffered greatly and lost most of its prestige when it closed during the American Civil War.
caption: Jonathan Maxcy
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