In February 1693, the College of William & Mary received its charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of England, authorizing its establishment in Williamsburg, Virginia. This momentous occasion marked the creation of the second-oldest institution of higher education in the American colonies, following Harvard University. The charter was a response to the growing need for education and clergy in the rapidly developing colonies, which were becoming increasingly populated and complex. Interestingly, the college's founding was also interwoven with the political and religious contexts of the time, as the colony sought to strengthen its theological and moral foundations.

The college was envisioned as a center for higher learning that would provide instruction in various fields, including philosophy, law, and divinity. The royal charter stipulated that the institution be governed by a board of visitors and that it would serve the Church of England’s interests, reflecting the Anglican roots of Virginia's early settlers. In the years following the issuance of the charter, William & Mary would emerge as a significant educational institution, shaping the intellectual landscape of the American South.

Throughout its history, the college has produced an impressive array of notable alumni, including several U.S. Presidents, governors, and other significant political figures. The impact of William & Mary extends far beyond the confines of a single campus; it played a pivotal role in the education and upbringing of leaders who would go on to influence the course of American history. As a result, the 1693 charter stands as a foundational moment in the intersection of education and governance in colonial America.