Harvard Yard

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Harvard Yard is the historic center of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is a grassy area of approximately 25 acres (10 ha), adjacent to Harvard Square. Harvard Yard contains most of the freshman dormitories, Harvard College administrative buildings including University Hall and Harvard Hall, the main libraries, and several academic buildings such as Sever Hall and Emerson Hall.

History

Harvard Yard dates back to the founding of Harvard College in 1636. The Yard was originally a cow pasture and has evolved over the centuries into the heart of the university. The oldest building in the Yard is Massachusetts Hall, built in 1720, which now houses the offices of the university president.

Buildings and Structures

Harvard Yard is home to several notable buildings and structures, including:

• Massachusetts Hall
• University Hall
• Harvard Hall
• Sever Hall
• Emerson Hall
• Widener Library
• Memorial Church
• John Harvard statue

Residential Life

Most of the freshman class at Harvard College lives in dormitories located in Harvard Yard. These dormitories include:

• Grays Hall
• Weld Hall
• Thayer Hall
• Hollis Hall
• Holworthy Hall
• Stoughton Hall

Academic and Administrative Buildings

Harvard Yard houses several key academic and administrative buildings, such as:

• University Hall
• Harvard Hall
• Sever Hall
• Emerson Hall
• Boylston Hall

Libraries

The Yard is also home to some of Harvard's main libraries, including:

• Widener Library
• Houghton Library
• Lamont Library

Notable Features

One of the most famous features of Harvard Yard is the John Harvard statue, often referred to as the "Statue of Three Lies" because of the inaccuracies in its inscription.

Related Pages

• Harvard University
• Harvard College
• Harvard Square
• Massachusetts Hall (Harvard University)
• Widener Library
• John Harvard statue

See Also

• List of Harvard University buildings
• History of Harvard University
• Harvard University Library