There were a few HBCUs opened prior to the Civil War, however most were created afterward. Not all continue to operate, though there are still plenty that offer classes.
There are a few different types of HBCUs. These include 2 and 4-year universities, colleges and community colleges.
As previously mentioned, the role of an HBCU was to serve the higher educational desires of blacks in America. This is the definition given to them by The Higher Education Act of 1965.
Today there are 105 operating HBCUs in America, including all types of institutions. Most of these were built in the very early 1900s, though some came around in the middle of the century.
While there are a number of colleges that have formed after 1964 to cater toward the black community, they are not considered HBCUs.