The bronze statue was cast in 1884, and the words "john harvard, founder, 1638" were engraved on the base of the bronze statue. These three lines constitute the three most famous lies of Harvard, and the bronze statue of Harvard is also dubbed as "the statue of three lies". First, this sculpture is not Harvard itself but a student named Sherman Hall of Harvard University. Second, Harvard himself is not the founder of Harvard University, but a priest. Before his death, he donated half of his legacy and all his books to Harvard University. Third, Harvard University was founded in 1636 instead of 1638.