Princeton

Princeton University was initially chartered as the College of New Jersey in 1746. It was established by New Light Presbyterians to provide training in ministry. The college's first president was Jonathan Dickinson, and classes were initially held in his home in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In 1756, the college relocated to Princeton, New Jersey, and Nassau Hall was constructed as its main building. Today, Nassau Hall is a central administrative building of Princeton University.

The Battle of Princeton was a significant battle during the American Revolutionary War. American forces, led by General George Washington, defeated British forces near Princeton, New Jersey. The victory at Princeton followed the successful engagement at Trenton and improved American morale as well as reinvigorated the revolutionaries' hopes for success against British colonial rule. The battle is commemorated with a monument in Princeton.

In 1896, the College of New Jersey, which was founded in 1746, officially changed its name to Princeton University. The name change was a part of a broader initiative to rebrand and expand the institution's mission beyond its traditional focus on theology to a more generalist, liberal arts education. The new name devotions came to reflect its location in Princeton, New Jersey, which it had moved to in 1756.

Princeton University Chapel was completed in 1930 and is one of the largest university chapels globally. The chapel was designed by Ralph Adams Cram, known for his work on Europe's revolutionized Gothic architecture. It replaces an earlier, smaller chapel and is a striking example of architectural Gothic revival in the United States. The chapel is a central place for major religious services and events held at Princeton University.

In 1994, astronomers from Princeton University made a landmark discovery in the field of astronomy—the detection of the first known extrasolar planets orbiting a pulsar. These planets, orbiting the pulsar PSR B1257+12, were among the first detected, challenging previous assumptions that planets can only form around normal stars. This discovery broadened the understanding of planetary formation and fueled further research into extraterrestrial planets.

On June 5, 2006, comedian and satirist Stephen Colbert received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Princeton University. His commencement speech was both humorous and solemn, touching upon the values of truth and accountability. Colbert's address inspired graduates to not only pursue their careers but also to engage critically with the issues facing society at large. His visit received significant media coverage at the time.

Princeton University established the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment in April 2010. The center focuses on research in sustainable energy technology and practices with aims to develop solutions that support a sustainable future. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across science, engineering, and policy to address energy and environmental challenges. The center is a part of Princeton’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.

The Princeton University Art Museum announced its extensive renovation and expansion plan in October 2012. This expansion aimed to modernize the facility and enhance its capacity to host and display its vast collection of artwork from around the world. The renovation incorporated state-of-the-art design that allows for innovative exhibition formats, fostering a broader engagement with the arts within the university community and beyond the campus.

In 2015, Princeton University took a significant step by announcing an increase in the minimum salary for postdoctoral researchers to $65,000 per year. This decision was part of an effort to recognize the crucial contributions of postdocs to research and science and to ensure equitable compensation. Aiming to enhance the living standards of its research staff, this initiative set a precedent for reform in academic salary standards.

Princeton University's men's lacrosse team clinched its sixth NCAA championship title in 2019, marking a significant achievement in the college's sports history. Their victory in Philadelphia saw them defeat a highly competitive opponent, with outstanding performances from players that have since gone on to have significant careers in professional lacrosse. This triumph further cemented Princeton's reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics.