HistoricSiteMarkers
Colonial AmericaAmerican Revolution

Hollis Hall, Harvard College

Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Marker Inscription

Hollis Hall Built by the Province of The Massachusetts Bay In New England, in 1763 Named in honor of Thomas Hollis of London, Merchant, and other members of the same family, constant and generous benefactors of Harvard College from 1719 to 1804 Used as Barracks by Colonial Troops in 1775-76

The Story

Built in 1763 by the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Hollis Hall has sheltered Harvard students for more than two centuries and honors the Hollis family of London, whose generosity sustained the college for generations. In 1775-76 the building traded scholars for soldiers, serving as barracks for colonial troops during the siege of Boston.

Why it matters

Few buildings so directly join the story of early American higher education with the opening campaign of the Revolution.

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EducationAmerican RevolutionLandmark

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