Nestled within the historic Harvard Yard, amidst the bustling footsteps of students and the eager clicks of tourist cameras, stands a bronze figure that has silently observed centuries of academic ambition and dreams. Its polished toe gleams from countless rubs, a popular ritual for students seeking good luck on their challenging exams. Yet, beneath this charming tradition and daily ritual lies an intriguing secret: this revered statue tells not just one, but three significant historical untruths.
Affectionately, and sometimes controversially, known as the “Statue of Three Lies,” this depiction of what is supposedly John Harvard actually conceals more history than it reveals. For every student who passes by, understanding these overlooked truths is crucial to appreciating the full narrative of this esteemed institution.
Lie One: That Isn’t Actually John Harvard
Despite the prominent inscription, the man cast in bronze is not John Harvard. No authentic portrait of him exists from his time. When renowned sculptor Daniel Chester French created the statue in 1884, he famously used Sherman Hoar, a young Harvard Law student and future Congressman, as his model. Thus, the statue serves less as a literal likeness of its namesake and more as an emblematic representation of scholarly ideals.
Lie Two: He Wasn’t the Founder
The statue’s pedestal boldly declares John Harvard as the “founder” of Harvard University. However, historical records reveal a different story. John Harvard was, in fact, the institution’s first major benefactor, a truly transformative figure. Following his death in 1638, he bequeathed half of his estate and his entire library of over 400 books to the fledgling college. The university itself was officially established two years earlier, in 1636, by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, initially named “New College” for the purpose of training clergy. While Harvard’s generous donation was vital to its early success, it was a pivotal gift, not a foundational act.
Lie Three: Harvard Wasn’t Founded in 1638
The statue’s inscription also incorrectly states the founding year as 1638. While it’s a close call, the university’s official founding date is actually 1636. This distinction firmly establishes Harvard as the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It wasn’t until 1639 that the college received its enduring name, honoring its extraordinary benefactor, whose symbolic likeness now stands as a monument to these compelling historical “lies.”
Every student who engages with this famous statue, whether by touching its shiny toe for luck or capturing a photograph, is interacting with a living legend—a powerful symbol rooted in myth rather than precise historical fact. It serves as a potent reminder that history is rarely a straightforward narrative and that stories often evolve and expand in their retelling.
So, the next time you stroll through Harvard Yard, pause and remember: you’re not just rubbing a toe for good fortune. You’re connecting with a vibrant story, a captivating myth, and three enduring “lies” that every Harvard student, past and present, truly ought to know.