Harvard's famous John Harvard statue has 3 surprising 'lies'

Harvard's iconic John Harvard statue is known as the "statue of three lies" because its likeness, founder claim and founding year are inaccurate, revealing surprising truths behind one of the university's most famous landmarks.Harvard’s famous John Harvard statue has 3 surprising ‘lies’ (AI-generated image)The John Harvard statue is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Harvard Yard. Located in the centre of the Old Yard, the bronze statue attracts students, alumni and visitors every day, with many rubbing its shiny golden foot for good luck before exams. But there is more to the famous statue than meets the eye.Known among students and alumni as the “statue of three lies,” the monument contains three inaccuracies that have become part of Harvard folklore. From the man depicted on the statue to the university’s founder and its founding year, the inscriptions do not tell the complete story.1. THE STATUE ISN'T ACTUALLY JOHN HARVARDDespite the name “John Harvard” engraved on its base, the statue does not depict the university’s benefactor. There are, in fact, no known living representations of what John Harvard actually looked like.The statue was created in 1884 by sculptor Daniel Chester French. Sherman Hoar served as the model for the head used to represent John Harvard. Hoar later went on to become a member of Congress and a US district attorney, according to Harvard University. So, while visitors may believe they are posing beside a likeness of John Harvard, the face they see is actually based on another man.2. JOHN HARVARD WASN'T THE FOUNDER OF HARVARDThe second inaccuracy can be found in the inscription itself, which describes John Harvard as the university’s “founder.” However, John Harvard was not the founder of Harvard University. In fact, he never attended the College. Instead, Harvard was the institution’s first major benefactor. He donated half of his estate and his library, which contained more than 400 books.Harvard University was officially established through a vote by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, according to Harvard University. His contribution was so significant that the institution was later named in his honour.3. HARVARD WASN'T FOUNDED IN 1638The third “lie” relates to the year engraved on the statue. The inscription gives 1638 as the year of Harvard’s founding. However, Harvard University was actually founded in 1636.That makes Harvard the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The institution was initially known as the New College, with its early mission focused on training clergy. It received the name Harvard on March 13, 1639, according to Harvard University.Despite its inaccuracies, the John Harvard statue remains an enduring part of campus life.Students routinely rub the statue’s golden foot before an important examination, hoping the tradition will bring them good luck. Visitors passing through Harvard Yard also regularly stop to photograph the landmark.The statue may be known for its “three lies,” but its place in Harvard tradition is very real.- EndsPublished By: Karan YadavPublished On: Sep 7, 2026 13:01 IST