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.
Bill's grandfather and namesake - William Danforth - graduated from Washington University in 1892 and later served as a Trustee for 25 years. William founded the Ralston Purina Company and later the Danforth Foundation. His son, Donald, continued the family's commitment to service and philanthropy,
this page online
Created in 1927, the Danforth Foundation has generously supported Washington University over many years - building in endowment to support in perpetuity the educational, research and scholarly programs of both this campus and that of the School of Medicine. The Foundation has inspired countless others to follow its example of philanthropy.
Erected 2006.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 38° 38.896′ N, 90° 18.291′ W. Marker is in University City, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in Skinker DeBaliviere. It can be reached from Brookings Drive west of Skinker Boulevard. Marker is located in front of Brookings Hall, which is on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Brookings
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2026
2. 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.
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: Robert S. Brookings Hall (a few steps from this marker); To The Memory of William Greenleaf Eliot (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Danforth Campus (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Chauvenet (about 400 feet away); The Aeronautic Concourse of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (approx. Ό mile away); Welcome to Forest Park (approx. Ό mile away); Parkview (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2026
3. Danforth Campus Marker
Marker is in front of Brookings Hall (this is looking west)
More about this marker. This marker has the same text as the "Danforth Campus" marker (in the first paragraph) on the opposite end.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on August 17, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 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.
