General Alexander Stewart Webb

While the College contributed to the war effort, the Army contributed to the College by producing its second president, General Alexander Stewart Webb, a war hero who broke Pickett's charge at Gettysburg. General Webb was president for 33 years, beginning in 1869. He spearheaded the creation of a separate Board of Trustees to govern the College, removing it from the Board of Education's jurisdiction.

He also defended the College against ongoing attacks from many who had still not accepted the notion of a free public college, even though City was growing steadily and already producing outstanding alumni.