Imagine being transported back to the early 1800s. You are standing before the majestic Rutgers Arch. It isn’t here, but at Rutgers University. This isn’t just any arch. It’s a portal to the past. The Rutgers Arch whispers tales of a college’s humble beginnings.
The story of Rutgers Arch begins with Old Queens. Old Queens is the oldest extant building at Rutgers University. It stands as the symbolic heart of the university’s New Brunswick campus. Rutgers, the eighth-oldest college in the United States, was founded in 1766. It was named Queen’s College for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She was the queen consort of British King George III.
Old Queens sits on a six-acre hilltop. This block was once an apple orchard donated to the college in 1807. This area became known as Queen’s Campus. “Old Queens” became a reference to Rutgers College. The name often alludes to the university or its administration.
American architect John McComb Jr. designed Old Queens. He also designed New York City Hall. The cornerstone of Old Queens was laid in 1809. The college’s third president, the Rev. Ira Condict, did the honors. Financial issues delayed construction until 1825.
In its early days, Old Queens served many purposes. It housed classrooms, student and faculty housing, a library, and a chapel. Three institutions shared this chapel. These were the college, its grammar school now Rutgers Preparatory School, and the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Today, Old Queens houses the university’s administration. This includes the offices of its president and governing boards.
Old Queens earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It was named a National Historical Landmark on May 11, 1976. This was for its significance in architecture and education. It is considered a fine example of Federal architecture on a college campus.
Queen’s College was founded to educate young men. The goal was to prepare them for the ministry and other good offices. The college first held classes in a tavern. It was called “The Sign of the Red Lion.” Later, classes moved to a building on George Street. Finally, the college moved to the hilltop where Old Queens would be built.
During the Revolution, the hilltop was a redoubt. Alexander Hamilton placed his cannons there. This covered the retreat of George Washington’s forces. British forces pursued Washington as far as New Brunswick.
James Parker, Jr. donated the apple orchard to the college. He was a graduate of Columbia College. He also became a trustee of Queen’s College. The college reopened in 1807. This followed a fundraising campaign. The Rev. Ira Condict and the Rev. John Henry Livingston led the effort.
Construction of Old Queens was overseen by Abraham Blauvelt. Some of the construction work was done by enslaved people. Rutgers has since erected a sign honoring Will’s work. They named the brick pathway to the building “Will’s Walk.” This acknowledges that slavery was a part of life in New Brunswick.
In 1825, Colonel Henry Rutgers gave Queen’s College a $5,000 bond and a bell. The trustees renamed the institution in his honor. The bell, known as the Old Queens Bell, hangs in the cupola of Old Queens. It chimes for special occasions. Stephen Van Rensselaer donated the cupola in 1825.
Initially, Old Queens housed the entire College functionality. The first floor served as classrooms. The second floor housed the college’s chapel and library. The wings served as living quarters for faculty.
Today, Old Queens is the flagship structure of the University. It houses administrative offices and conference spaces. Old Queens is frequently used in the University’s media and advertising. It is a tribute to its architectural and academic significance.
The facade of Old Queens incorporates symmetry and balance. It is typical of Federal style architecture. Classical motifs include Doric pilasters and low-height pediments. Old Queens boasts its original handmade glass windowpanes.
Old Queens is the centerpiece of Queen’s Campus. The campus includes six extant buildings. The Class of 1877 Cannon sits in front of Old Queens. It commemorates the Rutgers-Princeton Cannon War.
As you stand here at Rutgers Arch, remember its enduring legacy. It embodies the spirit of Rutgers University. The arch stands as a testament to education and history.