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Mabel Nelson Thurston, the first woman to be admitted to the undergraduate program of the Columbian University, 1891. Thurston enrolled at GW in 1888, and went on to earn an A.B. in 1891 and an A.M. in 1893 in Greek. Read more...
University Historical Material records, RG0031, Series 1, Box 3, Folder 163. Special Collections Research Center, Gelman Library, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

The George Washington University and Foggy Bottom Historical Encyclopedia is a growing online resource dedicated to the vibrant history of George Washington University and to the surrounding Foggy Bottom community. Through informative articles and accompanying images, the Encyclopedia tells the ongoing story of the university from its inception, and seeks to capture over two centuries of history in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C. The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is located in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., and is bounded roughly by 17th Street to the east, Rock Creek Parkway to the west, Constitution Avenue to the south, and Pennsylvania Avenue to the north. Since 1912, Foggy Bottom has been the site of the university’s main campus which has grown to encompass 42 acres of the area.

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Chronologies
Familiarize yourself with the nearly two-hundred year history of GW and Foggy Bottom using these chronologies.

Foggy Bottom History
From Jacob Funk to Watergate, learn about the important history of this DC neighborhood.

People
Discover GW graduates, professors, staff, trustees, administrators, friends and individuals from Foggy Bottom who have made significant contributions to the University, to their profession or chosen field, or to society in general.

Places
Explore the official and unofficial sites that carry special significance for the University or the surrounding community. Includes buildings, memorials and monuments, plaques and gates, and campus maps.

Events
Read about significant events in the history of the university and the Foggy Bottom area, including GW “firsts.”

Programs
Learn about the history of a school, department, or center at the University.

Student Life
This category covers all aspects of student life at GW with a special emphasis on student organizations and student publications.

University Campuses
Throughout its history GW has made its home in many locations around the DC metro area. Find articles about the Foggy Bottom campus, Mount Vernon, Northern Virginia, the pre-1912 campuses and other off-site building locations.

Athletics
Show that Colonial spirit and read about the people and events in all aspects of sports at the University.