September 17 is Constitution Day, an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.
John Jay, President of the Continental Congress from 1778-1779, the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and author of five of the Federalist essays, graduated from Kings College in 1764. For those interested in learning more about this historic alumnus, Columbia's Rare Book and Manuscript Library holds a unique and impressive collection of John Jay's papers, including a copy of the first bound volume of the Federalist Papers published in 1788, letters to and from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, and more. For information, including background and biographical material please visit the Papers of John Jay digital archive.