Wilmington in Clinton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wilmington College
The 19th century saw a great migration of Quakers from the Carolinas and from eastern Ohio to southwestern Ohio. Attracted by rich soil and abundance of fresh water and springs, Quakers became the dominant religious group in the region. Clinton County was referred to as the "Quaker County of Ohio." In August 1870, members of the Society of Friends purchased at an auction an unfinished building on 14 acres of land and founded Wilmington College, the first Quaker institution of higher learning established in Ohio. College Hall is the original structure and the first classes commenced in April 1871. Wilmington's importance as a Quaker center grew with the founding of Wilmington College, which houses the Quaker Collection of historical, literary, and genealogical publications in the Watson Library.
Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Wilmington College, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 5-14.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1871.
Location. 39° 26.69′ N, 83° 49.077′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Ohio, in Clinton County. Marker is adjacent to the east side of College Hall, on the grounds of Wilmington College, about 500 feet SE of the intersection of Fife Avenue/Locust Street (US Route 22) and College Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington OH 45177, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Who Sends Thee?" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marble Hall (about 600 feet away); David Linton (about 700 feet away); 1968 Clinton County AFB C-119G Plane Crash (approx. 0.4 miles away); Military Air Disaster (approx. 0.4 miles away); 302 TAW C-119 Accident Memorial (approx. half a mile away); 907 TAG C-119G Accident Memorial (approx. half a mile away); 302nd TCW Aircraft Accident Memorial (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Also see . . .
1. Wilmington College (Ohio). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Wilmington College. College website homepage (Submitted on February 22, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,130 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 22, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.