Riggs National Bank has had an ongoing financial relationship with George Washington University. In addition to W. W. Corcoran's personal involvement with the administration of the fledgling Columbian College, the bank has funded many of the university's construction projects.

Picture Gallery
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Deed for Trinidad Farm, 1875. Corcoran's donation of the property was contingent upon the University Board's securing $100, 000 of a proposed $250,000 endowment.

Name plaque of William W. Corcoran during his tenure as President of Columbian College's Board of Trustees.

William W. Corcoran, 1798-1888, renowned banker and philanthropist.
Courtesy The Library of Congress

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Corcoran    William Wilson Corcoran was born in Georgetown in the District of Columbia, the son of a well-to-do father whom the electors of Georgetown twice chose as mayor. Corcoran studied at Georgetown University and then went into banking. The firm of Corcoran and Riggs (now PNC Bank) prospered, and, in 1854, Corcoran was able to retire with an immense fortune and devote himself to art and philanthropy.

George Washington Riggs, 1813-1881, co-founder of Riggs Bank, and a board member of the Corcoran Gallery.
Courtesy The Library of Congress

Riggs   George Washington Riggs, 1813-1881, co-founder of Riggs Bank, member of the board of aldermen of the District of Columbia, and a board member of the Corcoran Gallery. When Corcoran retired in 1854 and Riggs bought his interest and, under the firm name of Riggs & Company (since 1896 Riggs Bank), directed the business until his death.

2023 G Street NW in Washington, circa 1925. In 1912, GW's acquisition of this property - the first step in GW's tenure in Foggy Bottom - depended on a loan from Riggs Bank.

1335 H Street NW in Washington, circa 1890. William Corcoran gave the property to the Columbian College in 1868; it housed the Columbian Medical School from then until 1972.

Letter, 1886, from William W. Corcoran to the Board of Trustees stipulating that his $25,000 gift be used to bolster the College's endowment fund.

Properties and Buildings   
During their lives, Corcoran and Riggs helped enable the growth of the University, overseeing the transfer of both property and buildings to the school's ownership.