Rio Grande in Gallia County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

University of Rio Grande

Founders: Nehemiah and Permelia Atwood

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018

1. University of Rio Grande Marker

Inscription. This historic marker is on the western boundary of the original 10 acre Rio Grande, College Campus, founded and endowed by Nehemiah and Permelia Atwood. The campus was located on the southeast corner of the Atwood Farm. Construction of Atwood Hall and the Boarding Hall began in 1875. The College was organized on November 1, 1875, dedicated on August 29, 1876, and opened for classes on September 13, 1876. Rio Grande College was incorporated as a non-profit educational institution by the State of Ohio on May 30, 1883.

Erected 1989 by The Ohio Historical Society, Gallia County Historical Society, O.O. McIntyre Park District and the University of Rio Grande Board of Trustees. (Marker Number 6-27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 13, 1876.

Location. 38° 52.903′ N, 82° 22.812′ W. Marker is in Rio Grande, Ohio, in Gallia County. Marker is on West College Street (Ohio Route 325) south of North Collge Avenue, on the left when traveling south. It is at the northwest corner of the Berry Fine And Performing Arts Center, facing W College St. Touch for map.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is at or near this postal address: 416 W College St, Thurman OH 45685, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Original Foundation Stone of Atwood Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); A Row Of Shade Trees (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gallia County Quilt Barn Trail Logo (approx. 0.7 miles away); Event Barn (approx. 0.7 miles away); Robert L. “Bob” Evans (approx. 0.7 miles away); Central Star Quilt Block (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Homestead (approx. 0.7 miles away); Our Farm Salutes All Who Serve (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rio Grande.

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “By 1915, Rio Grande’s major focus had shifted to teacher training, which continued as a virtually singular interest for nearly 60 years. The affiliation with the Baptists formally ended in the early 1950s. During the same time period, the farm adjacent to the campus which was owned by the college (students worked there to produce dairy products), was sold to provide much-needed operating funds for the institution. A young businessman, Bob Evans, was the buyer. The University Of Rio Grande's alma mater, ‘Sock It To Me, Baby,’ was written by Eustace St. James, a 1920 graduate and replaced a former alma mater written by Franz Josef Sucher.” (Submitted on September 8, 2018.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018

2. University of Rio Grande Marker

In the distance is the abstract sculpture “Folded Circle/Ring” by Fletcher Benton made from CorTen steel.

Alumni Memorial Bell Tower at Rio Grande University image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018

3. Alumni Memorial Bell Tower at Rio Grande University

“Music washes away the everyday dust of the soul.”

Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 8, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.