What Makes The Citadel Uniquely Historic?

Hey guys, I been looking at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, for college applications. I'm curious about its history. What's the backstory that sets it apart from other military colleges?

Sure, happy to fill you in. The Citadel, founded in 1842 and located in Charleston, South Carolina, has a rich history that clearly sets it apart from other military colleges. It was built with the intention of protecting Charleston's wealthy class after a major slave rebellion. So, it carries a significant weight of Southern and American history within its walls.

Over the years, The Citadel's cadets have served in every major American war. So, much of its history is intertwined with the military history of the United States itself. This includes a critical role during Civil War when Citadel cadets fired the first shots at the Star of the West, a ship heading to Fort Sumter to reinforce Union troops, marking an early skirmish of the conflict.

The Citadel is also known for its focus on character development and discipline. The lessons cadets learn during their time at the college regarding honor, duty, and respect are time-honored traditions that date back to the school's inception.

Importantly, in 1966, The Citadel began its evening college program, now known as The Citadel Graduate College, which opened doors for civilian students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. But perhaps one of the most significant milestones in the college's history was in 1995 when Shannon Faulkner became the first woman to be officially admitted to the Corps of Cadets, marking a transformative step towards gender equality at The Citadel.

Those are just a few highlights that make The Citadel's history uniquely different from other military colleges. Its storied past and continual adaptation to changing societal norms while maintaining its core values of leadership and character development are testament to its unique place in American higher education.