Jacksonville in Morgan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

MacMurray College

Illinois Woman's College

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

1. MacMurray College Marker

Inscription. MacMurray College was founded as Illinois Conference Female Academy in 1846 by Methodist preachers. It became Illinois Woman's College in 1899 before acquiring its final name in 1930. MacMurray College was a major presence in Jacksonville for 174 years until its closing in 2020. A principal founder, Peter Cartwright, and its first president, James Jaquess, were both Lincoln acquaintances. During its early years it became a leading center for women's education in the Midwest and one of a handful of colleges that served women exclusively. For many years the college's only building was Main Hall, located on East State Street. Fires destroyed the original building twice. Its final incarnation was erected in 1873 and razed in 1976. The Georgian-style buildings that graced the campus were constructed in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s during the presidency of Clarence P. McClelland and through the generosity of the Chicago businessman James E. MacMurray, after whom the college was renamed. The first class of men was admitted in 1957. MacMurray was known throughout its existence for its strong liberal arts curriculum.

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“The MacMurray Plan” of the 1960s was nationally recognized. Generations of women and men were educated here. Among those who visited and spoke on this campus were the social worker and reformer Jane Addams, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Erected 2023 by MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association • Bound to Stay Bound Books • Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 39° 43.94′ N, 90° 13.457′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Illinois, in Morgan County. It is at the intersection of East College Avenue and South Clay Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East College Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville IL 62650, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

2. MacMurray College Marker

the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Greene Vardiman Black (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln and Jaquess (about 700 feet away); The Civil War Governor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grant's March Mural (approx. 0.2 miles away); Whig Rivals and Friends (approx. ¼ mile away); New Method Book Bindery (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Greene Vardiman Black (approx. ¼ mile away); Sesquicentennial Time Capsule (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.

Regarding MacMurray College. The college closed in May 2020, when the COVID pandemic pushed it over the financial cliff after years of budget deficits caused by declining enrollment, weak endowments, heavy borrowing and deferred maintenance. The 52-acre campus was broken up and auctioned off six months later.

Also see . . .
1. 1 rural town, 2 small colleges and the thin line between death and survival. Two

MacMurray College image. Click for full size.

MacMurray College (Public Domain), May 9, 2012

3. MacMurray College

The chapel and dining hall at the former college.

small colleges – MacMurray College and Illinois College – were only a mile apart, but only one survived. (David Jesse, Detroit Free Press, posted Feb. 12, 2021) (Submitted on July 31, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. History of the College. The first classes opened in the basement of the East Charge MEC (now Centenary UMC) in 1847 with a modest enrollment of 117, divided into preparatory and academic departments. (MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association) (Submitted on July 31, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 821 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.