College Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Henry Wells, a co-founder of both Wells Fargo & Company and American Express Company, established Wells College in 1868 as Wells Seminary, stating that the promotion of higher education for women was his life's dream. After operating for over 150 years, in 2024, it was announced that the college would be closing at the end of the spring semester. It ceased operations effective June 30, 2024, with administrators citing financial challenges. In 2025, Hobart and William Smith Colleges were announced as Wells' legacy partner, who will maintain the closed college's records and endowment.
== History ==
=== Founding ===
Wells College was established by Henry Wells in 1868 as Wells Seminary, a women's college. Henry Wells was a co-founder of both Wells Fargo & Company and American Express Company, and he established the seminary in pursuit of promoting higher education for women, a goal which he called "the dream of my life". Wells, …
