The oldest institution claiming HBCU status dates back to 1837. It was originally a high school set up to serve African-Americans who were being excluded from basic education but did not begin granting degrees until the 20th century. Today it is known as Cheyney University. A few commenters have pointed out that Lincoln University founded later than Cheyney, but degree-granting from the start, is more correctly referred to as the oldest HBCU in the U.S. I would agree. I've included some links below with more information.
George Washington Carver was an African-American scientist, who, among many other achievements discovered many uses and techniques dealing with sweet potatoes and peanuts.
Lincoln University is older than Cheyney- both are in Pa about 30mins away from each other.
by Gilly on Jan 27, 2014
Cheyney does go back to its beginning in 1837 but as an 'Institute for Colored Youth in Pennsulvania' however it did not become a degree granting institution until 1914. The Lincoln University on the other hand was founded 11 years before the civil war and was originally called Ashmun Hall, but was renamed Lincoln University in 1866.
