Brown University, Providence (must see)

Brown University is an Ivy League university. Founded in 1764, it is the seventh-oldest university in the United States. The main campus is in the College Hill neighborhood. It is surrounded by Colonial-era buildings, a number of museums and the Providence River.

Brown is known as the first college in North America to accept students without proof of a particular religious affiliation. Its charter stated that sectarian differences would not play a role in choosing all members of the board of trustees either.

It was originally founded as Rhode Island College, but in 1770 the college moved from Warren to its current location. The original four-acre lot on College Hill was purchased by John and Moses Brown who began planning the first building, which is now University Hall. The college was renamed after Nicholas Brown left a large gift to the school.

Today's Brown's main campus includes 235 buildings on 143 acres. Most buildings were constructed between 1770 and 1926 in the Georgian and Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. Some of the most notable buildings are the John Hay Library, the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library and University Hall. The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is a favorite among visitors.