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In May 1853, five Christian Brothers moved their small Canal Street school to what was then known as Manhattanville, a section of New York City at 131st Street and Broadway. The Brothers brought with them more than their furniture and their students. They were the bearers of a long educational tradition, going back to 17th century France and their founder, John Baptist de La Salle, designated by the Catholic Church as the Patron Saint of Teachers. He formed a community of religious Brothers who, unlike priests, would devote themselves as teachers to work for the wellbeing of the children of the artisans and the underprivileged.

Between 1853 and 1863, the school changed rapidly, adding college-level courses in 1859 and first using the name Manhattan College in 1861. It was chartered by the Board of Regents on April 2, 1863. As the school grew, new quarters were needed. The cornerstone of the “New Manhattan” was laid in 1922 on property bordered by the Hudson River and Van Cortlandt Park, its present location.

Today Manhattan College identifies itself as a Catholic College in the Lasallian tradition. That tradition has continued to characterize the special educational experience offered by the College over its long history. Its constant focus has been the education of the disadvantaged.
        
Over the years, an evolution has taken place in faculty representation. The predominantly Christian Brothers faculty has been replaced by predominantly lay teachers, and includes both men and women. The College became coeducational and accepted its first women undergraduate students in 1973.

Located in the heart of the Quadrangle, Smith Auditorium houses the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers (on the upper level) and a multi-purpose auditorium (on the lower level). It was named for donor George R. Smith, class of 1884. The Auditorium was designed to seat 1200, and is the scene of meetings, plays, concerts, and notable lectures. The Chapel was left a stark white, contrasting with the dark wainscoting and the Stations of the Cross carved in Oberammergau, Germany. The esplanade and steps were designed to provide an outdoor setting for commencements in years past.

Today the Chapel is the site for Mass and special convocations and events. Smith Auditorium is the home to the Manhattan players, students and academic activities, and campus gatherings.