History of Hillsdale College

In August 1844, the local community of Freewill Baptists came together to establish the first collegiate institution for their denomination. After collecting donations, Michigan Central College was founded as Hillsdale College in Spring Arbor, Michigan on December 4, 1844. Despite its religious ties, the college has always maintained an officially nonsectarian stance. Hillsdale is no longer affiliated with any denomination, yet it still upholds Christian moral principles in line with tradition.

A notable feature of the campus is the Statues of Liberty Walk, a pathway adorned with sculptures of influential figures from Western culture. Included are statues of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher. A statue of Ronald Reagan was unveiled on October 7, 2011, marking the centennial of his birth. In 1977, Reagan commended Hillsdale during a speech, proclaiming, "Hillsdale deserves the appreciation of all who work towards freedom."

Hillsdale's founding charter expressly prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, or gender, making it the first American college to establish such inclusive principles in its charter.

product information: