Skinker DeBaliviere in University City in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Danforth Campus
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2026
1. Danforth Campus Marker
Founded in 1853, Washington University erected its first buildings on this site beginning in 1900 as part of a planned move from its original home in downtown St. Louis. The campus is named in honor of William H. (Bill) Danforth, M.D., the Danforth Family, and the Danforth Foundation for their extraordinary leadership and support of the University throughout the past century. Known affectionately as "Uncle Bill" and Chan Dan" to the more than 60,000 students who graduated during his chancellorship, Bill Danforth served as the 13th Chancellor of the University for 24 years - 1971 to 1995. His wife, Elizabeth (Ibby) Gray Danforth, was a beloved and energetic first lady. Together they inspired and transformed this community with their caring dedication, integrity and vision.
Providing more than a half-century of service to Washington University, Bill Danforth began his University affiliation at Barnes Hospital as an intern in Medicine in 1951, became a member of the medical faculty in 1957, and then served as Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and President of the Washington University Medical Center
this page online
During his chancellorship, Washington University grew in national and international recognition for its teaching and research. The University strengthened its academic programs, significantly expanded resources for scholarship and scientific discovery and attracted exceptionally creative and talented students from all 50 states and 100 other countries. The Danforth Campus added more than 20 buildings, and support for endowed professorships, scholarships and other endowments increased twelve fold.
Erected 2006.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 38° 38.866′ N, 90° 18.295′ W. Marker is in University City, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in Skinker DeBaliviere. It can be reached from
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2026
2. Danforth Campus Marker
Marker is located in front of Brookings Hall.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. 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 of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: To The Memory of William Greenleaf Eliot (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert S. Brookings Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Danforth Campus (within shouting distance of this marker); William Chauvenet (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2026
3. Danforth Campus Marker
Marker is located in front of the east side of Brookings Hall, which is on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis.
More about this marker. This marker has the same text as the "Danforth Campus" marker (in the first paragraph) on the opposite end.
Also see . . . William Henry Danforth on Wikipedia. Danforth (1926-2020) was the grandson of Ralston-Purina founder William H. Danforth and the brother of former U.S. Senator John Danforth. (Submitted on August 16, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on August 17, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
