Norwich University

An independent institution located on a 1,200-acre campus in Northfield, Vermont, Norwich University originally was situated in Norwich, Vermont, where it was established in 1819 as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy, thus earning the distinction of the first private military college in the United States. Norwich University is also the oldest of the six Senior Military Colleges designated by the U.S. Department of Defense and is recognized as the “birthplace” of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). This entry discusses the history of Norwich University and lists some of the university’s illustrious alumni.