The University of Notre Dame du Lac, known simply as Notre Dame, is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana. French priest Edward Sorin founded the school in 1842. The main campus of 1,261 acres has a suburban setting and contains landmarks such as the Golden Dome, the Word of Life mural, Notre Dame Stadium, and the Basilica. Originally for men, the university started accepting undergraduate women in 1972.
The University's historic center, comprising the Basilica, the Golden Dome, and Washington Hall, was built in the early years of the university.
Edward Sorin, founder of the university, photographed in 1890
The current Main Building, built after the great fire of 1879
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, completed in 1888
Notre Dame is a census-designated place and unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend in St. Joseph County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. It includes the campuses of three colleges: the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, and Holy Cross College. Notre Dame is split between Clay and Portage Townships. As of the 2020 census, its population was 7,234.
An aerial view of the University of Notre Dame's center campus