Franklin & Marshall College is one of the oldest
institutions of higher learning in the United States. Its roots go
back to Franklin College, founded in 1787 with a generous financial
contribution from Benjamin Franklin. Marshall College, named after
the great Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, was founded in
1836 in Mercersburg, Pa., under the sponsorship of the German
Reformed Church. In 1853 Marshall College moved to Lancaster, Pa.,
and merged with Franklin College to form Franklin & Marshall
College. James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States, was
the first President of the Board of Trustees.