Witherspoon Rebuilds the College After the War

After the war, John Witherspoon devoted his remaining years to rebuilding the College of New Jersey. The task was enormous: Nassau Hall had been severely damaged, the library had been destroyed, the scientific equipment was gone, and enrollment had collapsed. Witherspoon traveled throughout the states to raise funds, recruited new students, and gradually restored the curriculum and physical plant. Despite losing his eyesight in the final years of his life, he continued to serve as president until his death in 1794. The rebuilding of the college paralleled the rebuilding of the nation — both required sustained effort, financial sacrifice, and a belief that the institutions damaged by war were worth restoring.