Edward Hitchcock directed the first college physical education department at Amherst College. At which college was this department established?

Edward Hitchcock directed the first college physical education department at Amherst College. At which college was this department established?

• A. Dartmouth College
• B. Harvard College
• C. Amherst College
• D. Yale College

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how physical education became a formal part of college life in the 19th century, and the role a key figure played in starting it. Edward Hitchcock, a physician and educator at Amherst College, led the creation of the first college physical education department. Because he was directing this program there, the department was established at Amherst College. The other colleges listed did not host this pioneering department under Hitchcock, even though they later developed their own PE initiatives. Amherst’s move represents an early, landmark step in making structured physical training a standard part of higher education.

The main idea here is how physical education became a formal part of college life in the 19th century, and the role a key figure played in starting it. Edward Hitchcock, a physician and educator at Amherst College, led the creation of the first college physical education department. Because he was directing this program there, the department was established at Amherst College. The other colleges listed did not host this pioneering department under Hitchcock, even though they later developed their own PE initiatives. Amherst’s move represents an early, landmark step in making structured physical training a standard part of higher education.