Our History
From the moment Northwestern University first offered classes, Mathematics has been central to its academic mission. One of the University's three original faculty members appointed in 1854 was Henry S. Noyes, professor of mathematics. Building upon Thomas F. Holgate’s 1941 essay, "A History of the Department of Mathematics, Northwestern University, 1855-1905”, the following article by NU Math Prof. Sandy Zabell explores these early years, offering a delightful introduction to our rich heritage and the figures who guided our development:
The original article from Thomas Holgate can be found here: "A History of the Department of Mathematics, Northwestern University, 1855-1905”. Here is an excerpt from Holgate's work.