The founding event of the University of Georgia took place on January 27, 1785. It was established as the first public university in the United States by the Georgia General Assembly. The act declared that the university's purpose was to educate young people in various fields of study. The university was initially named Franklin College, but its name was changed to the University of Georgia in 1801. This event marked the beginning of a prominent educational institution that has played a significant role in shaping the state's intellectual and cultural development.
