Olive Branch in Alexander County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

London School

Photographed by Allen Gathman, February 20, 2011

1. London School Marker

Inscription. This memorial recognizes the 109 year legacy of Rev. Nathan London, born a slave in 1830. Known then as "Nate Lundy", he distinguished himself, attaining the rank of sergeant and assistant paymaster in the Union army during the Civil War. His war-time pact with God found him settling in the "horseshoe district" of Alexander County in 1879. Besides his farming and family duties, Rev. London founded and pastored two Baptist churches and influenced the naming and establishment of the London School, a public institution for colored children.

Erected by Alexander Board of Commissioners, Burris, Chambers, London Historical Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. 37° 9.146′ N, 89° 21.629′ W. Marker is in Olive Branch, Illinois, in Alexander County. It is on Miller City Road just south of Island Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Olive Branch IL 62969, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (a few steps from this marker); Ole London Farm (approx. ¼ mile away); Lewis and Clark in Illinois

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(approx. 3.6 miles away); a different marker also named Lewis and Clark in Illinois (approx. 7.1 miles away); Original Pier Block (approx. 7.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.2 miles away); Old Thebes Courthouse (approx. 7.2 miles away); Steamboats on the Mississippi River (approx. 7½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olive Branch.

Photographed by Allen Gathman, February 20, 2011

2. London School Marker

Looking south along highway 3.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 1, 2025

3. London School Marker

looking north

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2011, by Allen Gathman of Pocahontas, Missouri. This page has been viewed 1,050 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2011, by Allen Gathman of Pocahontas, Missouri. 3. submitted on February 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.