Baldwin City in Douglas County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Baker University
The First College In Kansas
Photographed By Thomas Onions, June 14, 2009
1. Baker University Marker
Erected this building and opened its door for instruction November 22, 1858
Werner Renick Davis, President
The trustees realizing their financial inability to construct a building to meet their dreams of the future requirements of the college, erected this building here as a temporary educational center rather than on the campus which had been already designated.
Erected 1908 by Class of 1891 on its Fiftieth Anniversary.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is November 22, 1935.
Location. 38° 46.651′ N, 95° 11.101′ W. Marker is in Baldwin City, Kansas, in Douglas County. Marker is on 5th Street, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 513 5th Street, Baldwin City KS 66006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Santa Fe Trail (approx. 0.6 miles away); Palmyra (approx. 0.6 miles away); Palmyra Well (approx. 0.6 miles away); Trail Park (approx. 0.9 miles away); Baldwin (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Battle of Black Jack (approx. 3.1 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Black Jack (approx. 3.1
this page online
Regarding Baker University. This College Building was constructed during the height of the "Bleeding Kansas" era and there are several other markers noting the conflict in the area. It is truly amazing that a group of men were able to take on an undertaking such as the founding and building of a college with that kind of turmoil going on.
Also see . . .
1. National Register of Historic Places for Douglas County Kansas. The information on the Old Castle is about halfway down the page. (Submitted on June 15, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
2. National Register Application. This pdf contains the history of the Old Castle and details on its construction. (Submitted on June 15, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
3. Baker University Old Castle Museum. This link provides information on the Old Castle Museum and is provided by Baker University. (Submitted on June 15, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
Photographed By Thomas Onions, June 14, 2009
2. Baker University Marker
Front of Old Castle
Photographed By Thomas Onions, June 14, 2009
3. Baker University Marker
Side photo of Old Castle
Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. This page has been viewed 1,031 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 15, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
