Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the State of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. King's College was founded in downtown colonial Manhattan and its campus continues to reside on Manhattan island in New York City.

King's College suspended classes in 1776 and was renamed Columbia College by Charter of 1784 after the American Revolution. According to University Attorney John Pine, in "Charters, Acts of the Legislature, Official Documents and Records" (New York: Printed for the University, 1920), the Charter of 1787 repealed the prior, which had deprived King's College of its Charter, corporate rights and property, and restored such to the Trustees of the College. The first significant anniversary recognized by the College is the semi-centennial of the Charter of 1787, celebrated in 1837. Later, the centennial of the College was celebrated corresponding to the establishment and charter dates in 1854 and 1887.

Minor events occurred to commemorate the Sesquicentennial (150th). Among these activities, President Nicholas Murray Butler hosted a commemorative dinner, a special service was held at Earl Hall, and a University Convocation was given where several honorary degrees were awarded, mostly to faculty.

In 1929, a large collection of portraits, both paintings and sculpture, of faculty and alumni were donated to the University by various individuals in honor of the 175th anniversary of the 1754 founding of King's College. A convocation was held October 31, honoring notable alumni and faculty of the University.

The celebrations of the University bicentennial included large scale, world-wide programs under the leadership of President Grayson Kirk. Anniversary sponsored productions and events were held by other universities, libraries, and regional Columbia alumni committees. A traveling exhibit, convocations, conferences, lectures, and symposiums promoted the theme"Man's Right to Knowledge and the Free Use Thereof.".

Commemorative objects produced included a stamp issued by the United States Postal Service. A "Bicentennial Medal" was awarded during special convocations. A thorough description of the year-long events is documented in the University publication, Columbia's "Bicentennial: An Account of the Planning and Execution of a World-Wide Program of Observances Centering on the Theme Man's Right to Knowledge and the Free Use Thereof" (New York: Columbia University, 1956).

In 2004, the University marked another major anniversary celebration. The "Columbia 250th" Office organized festivities accompanying the celebration of Columbia University's 250th Anniversary of the 1754 founding of King's College. These festivities included concerts, lectures, symposia, special publications, exhibitions, various ceremonies, and dinners among other events. A University-sponsored film directed by Ric Burns was produced by Steeplechase Films, distributed and screened by alumni organizations as well as broadcast on local PBS stations.