Georgetown University's congressional charter signed into law

Background. Georgetown University is a private Jesuit research university in Washington, D.C. Founded by Bishop John Carroll in 1789, it is recognized as the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States and the oldest university in Washington, D.C. It holds the distinction of being the nation's first federally chartered university, a status formalized through legislative action in the early nineteenth century.

Legal Significance. The congressional charter signed by President James Madison created the first federal university charter. This legal instrument allowed Georgetown University to confer degrees, a capability that was exercised for the first time two years after the charter's signing. The event represents a specific legislative achievement distinct from the broader political context of Madison's presidency.

Historical Context. The signing occurred in March 1815, shortly after the Senate ratified the Treaty of Ghent on February 16, 1815, which ended the War of 1812. This period marked the transition into the "Era of Good Feelings," characterized by a decline in Federalist influence and a shift in national political dynamics following the conclusion of the conflict with Britain.