Waterloo in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Site of the First English Speaking School in Illinois

James Seeley School Marker-Plaque image. Click for full size.

September 29, 2019

1. James Seeley School Marker-Plaque

Inscription. On this site, in the year 1783, stood the first English speaking public school in the state of Illinois. It was taught by Samuel J. Seeley. The school was an abandoned squatters cabin, located on a tract of land known as the James Lemen Greater, later the Vernum Homestead.

Erected by 233 Woodmen of the World.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.

Location. 38° 16.02′ N, 90° 7.77′ W. Marker is in Waterloo, Illinois, in Monroe County. Marker is on KK Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker is off of the right off of the road, tucked into some weeds. It consists of a plaque on a crumbling rock and backs up against a grain field. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5101 KK Road, Columbia IL 62236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. James Lemen (approx. 1.8 miles away); Tipton, Illinois (approx. 1.9 miles away); Armin Henry Krueger (approx. 2.2 miles away); St. Joe, Illinois (approx. 2.8 miles away); Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery (approx. 2.8 miles away); Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Wartburg (approx. 4 miles away);

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World War I Memorial (approx. 4 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterloo.

More about this marker. The school was located in an old, abandoned squatter's cabin.

James Seeley School Marker and General Location image. Click for full size.

September 29, 2019

2. James Seeley School Marker and General Location

Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2019. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 30, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.