Columbia is the oldest university in New York and one of the oldest in the United States. The university, originally known as King's College, received its charter in 1754, and among its first legendary graduates were Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Robert R. Livingston and Gouverneur Morris. Noteworthy sites include the statue "Alma Mater" in the main courtyard, Pupin Hall and Hamilton Hall, the setting of the turbulent student demonstrations in the late 1960s. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 116th St