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Bethany College is a small, private college in Bethany (Brooke County). It was founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, a religious leader and educator. It is the oldest four-year college in West Virginia and offers degrees in the liberal arts.
The college has a historic campus, including Old Main (pictured) and the Campbell Mansion. It has always welcomed students from different backgrounds, including women (since 1877), international students (since 1841), and minority students.
Bethany College faced tough times during the Civil War, Great Depression, and World War II, but survived with help from programs and returning soldiers using the GI Bill. Enrollment peaked in the 1970s with over 1,100 students.
Many Bethany alumni have gone on to succeed in government, business, and media—including J. B. "Champ" Clark, who became Speaker of the U.S. House, and James A. Garfield, who served on the board and later became president of the United States.