The University of Georgia was founded in 1785, making it the oldest public university in the United States. It was established by the Georgia General Assembly and initially called Franklin College. The state charter was signed by Governor Lyman Hall and the university's first president was Abraham Baldwin. The founding of the university aimed to provide higher education to the citizens of Georgia and promote the cultural and economic growth of the state. The university's campus was located in Athens, Georgia, and it opened its doors to students in 1801. Since its founding, the University of Georgia has grown significantly, offering a wide range of academic programs and becoming a renowned institution for research and education.
