Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The National House

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

1. The National House Marker

Inscription. The National House, or "Nash" as it was referred to, was constructed in 1866 to house watch factory employees. The building was enlarged in stages to eventually accomodate 300 boarders, a large dining room, tennis courts and recreational facilities. The gynasium was opened in 1890. It included a ballroom, rehearsal hall for the watch factory band, and a gym with equipment and a running track.

By the 1930s, automobiles and public transportation meant employees no longer needed to live within walking distance of the factory. The aging National House was demolished in 1937. The gym was razed in 1937. The site was a parking lot until a daycare facility was constructed in 2004.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 42° 1.834′ N, 88° 16.572′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of Wellington Street and National Street, on the right when traveling south on Wellington Street. The marker is one of several in the windows of the old Watch Factory Depot. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 National Street, Elgin IL 60120, 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 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: The Watch Factory District (here, next to this marker); Generations of Watch Workers (here, next to this marker); The Elgin National Watch Company (here, next to this marker); Elgin Railroad Watches (here, next to this marker); Life Inside the Watch Factory (here, next to this marker); Watch Factory Depot (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Elgin National Watch Company (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elgin National Watch Co. Observatory (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.

More about this marker. Markers

Three markers in east windows of the Watch Factory Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

2. Three markers in east windows of the Watch Factory Depot

can be found in each of the eight windows of the Watch Factory Depot, a one-time stop on the Chicago & Northwestern train line. The rails were removed in the 1990s but the old embankment is visible.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.