Wabash College is a small, liberal arts college located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, in the United States. Founded in 1832, it holds the distinction of being one of the country’s oldest all-male colleges. Its name is derived from the Wabash River, which flows nearby. Wabash College has a strong tradition of providing an excellent liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and character development.
One of the defining features of Wabash College is its commitment to the “Gentleman’s Rule,” a student-driven honor code that promotes trust, respect, and ethical behavior. This code allows students a great deal of freedom and responsibility in governing themselves, fostering a sense of community and personal accountability.
Wabash College offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts. It is known for its rigorous academic standards and close faculty-student relationships, with small class sizes enabling personalized instruction and mentorship.
The college’s campus is renowned for its picturesque beauty, with historic buildings, serene gardens, and ample green spaces. Wabash College continues to provide a transformative educational experience, preparing students not only for successful careers but also for lives of meaning, service, and ethical leadership.

Wabash College in 1909
If you are interested in knowing more about Wabash College, I’m sure that it’s a good idea to take a look at these 26 interesting facts about Wabash College.
- Wabash College was founded in 1832, making it one of the oldest colleges in Indiana and the United States.
- It is an all-male liberal arts college, known for its close-knit and engaged community.
- The college is located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on a beautiful 65-acre campus.
- Wabash College’s mascot is the Little Giant, and its athletic teams are known as the Wabash Little Giants.
- The college’s motto is “Wabash Always Fights,” reflecting its spirit of determination and perseverance.
- Wabash College is recognized for its strong commitment to the liberal arts tradition, emphasizing critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
- The campus features the picturesque Pioneer Chapel, which is often used for special events and ceremonies.
- The “Gentleman’s Rule” is a unique honor code at Wabash College, emphasizing trust, respect, and personal responsibility.
- Wabash is known for its alumni network and has a strong tradition of mentorship and support.
- The Malcolm X Institute for Black Studies is an important center for promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
- The Lilly Library on campus houses a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents.
- Wabash offers a wide range of academic majors and minors across various disciplines.
- The college is home to the Center of Inquiry in the Liberal Arts, which supports research and innovation in liberal arts education.
- Wabash is a member of the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA), facilitating collaboration with other liberal arts institutions.
- The college’s commitment to experiential learning includes internships, research opportunities, and off-campus study programs.
- The Chapel Sing is an annual tradition where students gather to sing hymns and celebrate the holiday season.
- Wabash College has a strong focus on leadership development through programs like the Wabash Democracy and Public Discourse Initiative.
- The Scarlet Yarns podcast features stories and interviews about the college’s history and community.
- The Sphinx Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious honor societies at Wabash College.
- Wabash has a rich tradition of athletics, with a strong emphasis on Division III sports.
- The annual Monon Bell Classic football game against DePauw University is a highly anticipated rivalry event.
- The college’s Fine Arts Center hosts a variety of cultural events and performances.
- Wabash College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) but maintains a commitment to religious diversity.
- The school’s College Archives and Special Collections preserve the history and heritage of the college.
- Wabash College is recognized for its alumni achievements in various fields, including politics, business, and the arts.
- The college continues to uphold its mission of educating and shaping young men to become responsible and ethical leaders in their communities and beyond.
Wabash College stands as a venerable institution deeply rooted in American history and values. Its commitment to the liberal arts, personal integrity through the “Gentleman’s Rule,” and dedication to fostering leadership and character development sets it apart. With a rich tapestry of traditions and a tight-knit community, Wabash College provides a distinctive educational experience that equips young men with the knowledge, skills, and principles to excel in a rapidly changing world. The college’s timeless motto, “Wabash Always Fights,” symbolizes its enduring spirit of determination and resilience. As it continues to evolve and adapt, Wabash College remains a steadfast beacon of intellectual growth, personal integrity, and ethical leadership, leaving an indelible mark on its students and the world they go on to impact.