Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Founders of Illinois Wesleyan University
1850
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
1. The Founders of Illinois Wesleyan University Marker (left pillar)
[Engraved on the left pillar of the campus entrance:]
1850
James Allin J.E. McClun Linus Graves Thomas O. Rogers H.H. Fell Ezekiel Thomas W.H. Allin Isaac Funk John Mon Jesse W. Fell C.D. James Silas Waters C.P. Merriman David Trimmer John Magoun James Miller John W. Ewing Jesse Birch A. Goddard W.C. Hobbs David Davis Peter Cartwright John S. Barger Henry Coleman
[Engraved on the right pillar of the campus entrance:]
"We stand in a position of incalculable responsibility to the great wave of population over-spreading the valley of the Mississippi. Destiny seems to point out this valley as hte depository of the great heart of the nation. From this center migthy pulsations, for good or evil, must in future flow, which shall not only affect hte fortunes of the Republic, but reach in their influence other and distance nations of the earth."
"Conference Record, December 19th, 1850"
Erected 1922 by Illinois Wesleyan University; Bloomington Association of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures
this page online
Location. 40° 29.415′ N, 88° 59.634′ W. Marker is in Bloomington, Illinois, in McLean County. It is in Illinois Wesleyan University. It is at the intersection of Main Street (Business U.S. 51) and University Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. The text is engraved into pillars that flank the west entrance into Illinois Wesleyan University. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bloomington IL 61701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and 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: Hedding College (approx. Ό mile away); Franklin Square Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away); Home of Joseph W. Fifer (approx. 0.4 miles away); Florence Fifer Bohrer (approx. 0.4 miles away); Home of Adlai E. Stevenson I (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Florville (approx. 0.4 miles away); Robert Greenlee House (approx. half a mile away); Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bloomington.
Also see . . . Illinois Wesleyan University History.
Excerpt: "Illinois Wesleyan University was founded in 1850 by a diverse group of 30 civic and(Submitted on June 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)religious leaders who came together to establish 'an Institution of learning of Collegiate grade.' When a sponsor was needed, the founders gained support from the United Methodist Church, which is how 'Wesleyan' was added to the original name, 'Illinois University.' The University's relationship with the church has evolved over the years. While maintaining its Methodist affiliation, true to its founding roots Illinois Wesleyan continues to be a diverse and inclusive community, independent in its governance."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 20252. The Founders of Illinois Wesleyan University Marker (right pillar)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
3. The entrance into Illinois Wesleyan University
The pillars are inscribed with the founders of IWU and text from the founding charter.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
