Bates College (/ˈbeɪts/ BAYTS) is a private liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine. The college was founded in 1855 by prominent abolitionist statesmen and established with funds from Benjamin Bates. It was originally chartered by Oren Burbank Cheney, to teach moral philosophy, theology, and the classics, it expanded to encompass a liberal arts curriculum shortly after. Throughout its history, the college is most known for its academic rigor, and social inclusivity. The college is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States and the oldest in the Eastern United States.