W&J is a modern educational institution with roots reaching back to frontier days. The corporate history of the College dates from 1787, but its history reaches even farther back.

Between 1781 and 1787, three Presbyterian ministers established schools in Washington County, then the frontier of the American west. The Rev. Thaddeus Dod, the Rev. Joseph Smith, and the Rev. John McMillan then decided to establish a single academy with better facilities than they possessed individually. In September 1787, a charter was granted for an academy to be situated in Washington, the county seat. On April 10, 1789, Washington Academy opened.

A few years later, a move to establish a school in nearby Canonsburg resulted in a charter being issued  in 1794 for “The Canonsburg Academy and Library Company.” In 1802, this school was chartered by the Pennsylvania legislature as Jefferson College. Four years later, Washington Academy received its charter as Washington College.

Rivalry between the two small colleges, located in towns only ten miles apart, served to block the progress of both. Lack of money was a hindrance to their development. From time to time, suggestions were heard that the two colleges merge, but nothing developed until inadequate financial resources and the decline in enrollment at both schools because of the Civil War made such a step necessary. In March 1865, the Pennsylvania legislature granted a charter for a united college, but with the provision that some classes be taught in Canonsburg and others in Washington. This arrangement proved impractical, and in 1869, the legislature authorized reorganization of the College. Two months later, the trustees voted that all departments be located in Washington.

The College became firmly established and grew into a well-known educational institution under leadership of dedicated presidents. It purposely remained a small, all-male liberal arts college for many years.

In 1969, the College authorized granting of undergraduate degrees to women and inaugurated a new curriculum and calendar. The first undergraduate women students were admitted in September 1970.

Now, in its third century, the College continues to offer modern educational opportunities while adhering to long-established principles. It provides its students an opportunity to obtain a sound general education in the arts and sciences.

Fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, W&J is a private, independent educational institution devoted to the training of men and women qualified for their tasks both in scholarship and in character.