Mount Saint Mary’s University & Seminary

Mount St. Mary’s University is the oldest independent Catholic college in the United States, founded in 1808 by Father John DuBois, a French émigré priest. In 1805, the visionary young priest bought land on the mountain near Emmitsburg to build a church and school.

By 1809, 50 young men were enrolled in what quickly grew into a preparatory school for young boys, a college and a seminary. Students came from Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and all over North America (New Orleans) to study here.  Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew also studied here.  In 1830, Mount St. Mary’s received its first charter from the state of Maryland and was becoming well known for its academic program.

The history of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary is closely interwoven with the history of the Catholic Church in the United States. Numbered among the sons of the seminary are the first American Cardinal, John Cardinal McCloskey of New York, as well as Archbishops Hughes, Purcell, Corrigan and Seton. In 1972, the college opened its doors to female students. The college is looking forward to its 200th birthday in the year 2008, and its third century of service.