The University of Cartagena has been the forming space young Colombian Caribbean since the nineteenth century. Its history and significance are expressed since the dawn of independence, and in the dream of the liberators Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander, organizers novel Colombian state. They envisioned as the ideal education for the training of new generations to lead the destinies of the Republic half. In this context, public universities were developed. The University of Magdalena and Istmo was one of these, created by the decree of 6 October 1827 opens its doors November 11, 1828 in its current location, the ancient cloister of the convent of San Agustin. The first name of the University revealed its coverage, the Magdalena, territory that included at that time all the Colombian Caribbean, including Panama. Over time, the University received other names, including University Second District, Provincial College of Cartagena, the Bolivian Institute, School Department, College Fernandez de Madrid, Universidad de Bolivar and finally University of Cartagena.