Evanston in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Northwestern University's First Building

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 25, 2025

1. Northwestern University's First Building Marker

Inscription. Northwestern University's first building, known as Old College, was erected on this site in 1855. The three-story wooden structure contained classrooms, a chapel, a small museum and lecture halls. It was moved to the present Northwestern campus in 1871.

Erected 2001 by Northwestern University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is November 5, 1855.

Location. 42° 2.754′ N, 87° 40.686′ W. Marker is in Evanston, Illinois, in Cook County. It is at the intersection of Hinman Avenue and Davis Street, on the right when traveling south on Hinman Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 Hinman Avenue, Evanston IL 60201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory

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of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Methodist Church of Evanston (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Chandler's Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fountain Square Veterans Memorial Wall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frances E. Willard (1839-1898) / Woman's Christian Temperance Union (approx. 0.2 miles away); PolioPlus (approx. 0.2 miles away); The First House of Worship in Evanston (approx. 0.2 miles away); Evanston War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); W. Russell Arrington (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Evanston.

Regarding Northwestern University's First Building. The three-story building was completed in the fall of 1855, in time for the first classes on November 5 of that year. The building was moved to the present campus a bit north of here in 1871, and it served a variety of purposes over the following 100 years, including a prep school, a weather observatory and school offices. On July 24, 1973, Old College was struck by lightning, triggering a sprinkler

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 25, 2025

2. Northwestern University's First Building Marker

system that flooded the building and caused damage that was determined to be irreparable. The building was razed and today is the site of the McCormick-Tribune Center.

Courtesy of Northwestern University Libraries, circa 1890

3. Old College

This photo shows the Old College building after it was moved to the present Northwestern campus. It was torn down in 1973.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.