Georgetown University is among the leading academic and research institutions in the world. Founded by John Carroll 1789, it is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit University in the nation. Coincidentally, its foundation date is the same as the birth of America.

Carrol, who was later appointed as Archbishop of Baltimore in 1808, secured a deed to a 60-acre land located on a hilltop overlooking Georgetown village. The university?s first classes began in 1792 and the first 2 bachelor degrees were awarded in 1817.

Healy Hall is Georgetown University?s historic flagship building. It is named after Patrick Francis Healy, the first black president of any American university. In 1964, it was included in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. It has also been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.