Lawrence History

Lawrence University and the City of Appleton were founded together 175 years ago on the banks of the Fox River.   

In 1847, Boston merchant Amos A. Lawrence pledged $10,000 to endow a school in the Wisconsin Territory. On January 15, 1847, the territory granted a charter to Lawrence Institute, a name that was changed to Lawrence University when classes first began on November 12, 1849. 

Notably, Lawrence was one of the first co-educational colleges in the country. From the time that preparatory classes began in 1849, both men and women were enrolled.  

Lawrence today is what it has been for much of its history—an undergraduate college of the liberal arts and sciences with a Conservatory of Music. It honors the vision of its founders and builds on the heritage of more than a century and a half of excellence in undergraduate education.