In this chapter, the authors trace the historical roots of civic learning and democratic engagement in higher education from the founding of the first institutions to the present day. In different major historical moments, universities elevated their mission to develop an engaged citizenry. Furthermore, public perception of the purpose for higher education acts as a pendulum, swinging between higher education as a public good or as a private good. The intersections of these perceptions, along with critical moments in which colleges and universities emphasized civic learning and democratic engagement shaped the past, and understanding these historical moments can help shape the future ways in which higher education institutions embrace their democratic purpose.