Johnston Gate

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Main entrance to Harvard Yard at Harvard University

Johnston Gate is the main entrance to Harvard Yard at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the most iconic structures on the Harvard campus and serves as a primary point of entry for students, faculty, and visitors.

History

Johnston Gate was completed in 1889 and was the first of the elaborate gates to be constructed around Harvard Yard. The gate was funded by a donation from Samuel Johnston, a Harvard alumnus from the class of 1855. The design of the gate was created by the renowned architect Charles McKim of the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White.

Architecture

The gate is designed in the Colonial Revival style, which was popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The structure is made of brick and wrought iron, featuring intricate detailing and classical proportions. The central archway is flanked by two smaller pedestrian gates, all of which are adorned with decorative ironwork.

Significance

Johnston Gate is not only a functional entrance but also a symbol of Harvard's rich history and tradition. It is often the first and last part of the campus that students see, as it is customary for incoming freshmen to enter through the gate during their first days at Harvard and for graduating seniors to exit through it during commencement ceremonies.

Location

The gate is located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Harvard Street, providing direct access to the historic Harvard Yard. This location makes it a central and highly trafficked point on the campus.

Related Pages

• Harvard Yard
• Harvard University
• Charles McKim
• Colonial Revival architecture
• McKim, Mead & White

See Also

• List of Harvard University gates
• Harvard Square
• Massachusetts Avenue (Cambridge)