Illinois State University in Normal in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Jesse W. Fell
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
1. Fell Gates, left plaque
[Plaque on the left side of the gate:]
Jesse W. Fell
Friend of education
Lover and planter of trees
Philanthropist of mighty vision
This gate is dedicated by the Women's Improvement League and his many friends
[Plaque on the right side of the gate:]
1808-1887
Dedicated by his grandchildren 1915
Erected 1915.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical date for this entry is November 10, 1808.
Location. 40° 30.581′ N, 88° 59.39′ W. Marker is in Normal, Illinois, in McLean County. It is in Illinois State University. It can be reached from School Street north of North Street, on the right. The plaques are on the gates to the northeast corner of the campus of Illinois State University. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Normal IL 61761, 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: Capital Stone from the Third McLean County Courthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Illinois State Normal University (about 400 feet away); Old Main
this page online
More about this marker. The two plaques are placed on two pillars on the northeast end of the Illinois State quad that are known as the Fell Gates.
Regarding Jesse W. Fell. Jesse Fell was born in Pennsylvania and settled in Bloomington in the 1830s. He was the city's first lawyer, and he also founded the Pantagraph newspaper in addition to Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State), the state's first public college. He was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and is credited with convincing him to engage in the famed debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858. In addition to these Fell Gates, Fell Hall on the west end of the quad is the home of ISU's school of communication. He is also the namesake of the Fell Arboretum, which is a certified arboretum that covers the
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
2. Fell Gates, right plaque
Also see . . .
1. Jesse Fell & Abraham Lincoln.
Excerpt: "It's probably not an exaggeration to say if Jesse Fell and Abraham Lincoln had not met, Illinois State University wouldn't exist. The pair roomed together in the 1830s in Vandaliathen Illinois' capital. Both lawyers, they shared a mutual interest in education and connections to the booming railroad industry. Fell, considered founder of the Town of Normal and the University, asked Lincoln to represent the board proposing the school. Lincoln agreed, eventually drawing up the bond and bill of sale documents for property that became the campus."(Submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. The Life of Jesse Fell. This 1916 book shares the story of Jesse Fell's life. (Submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
3. The Fell Gates
Courtesy of Milner Library, Illinois State University
4. Jesse W. Fell (1808-1887)
Photo by Keystone View Company; courtesy of Library of Congress, circa 1915
5. "Fell Gate and buildings of the Illinois State Normal University, Normal, Ill."
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
