Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

West College: A National Historic Landmark

Walking Tour Stop 16

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 7, 2010

1. West College: A National Historic Landmark Marker

Inscription. West College – known affectionately as Old West – traces its roots to February 1803, when the college’s main building burned to the ground after four years of costly construction. In a bind, the college trustees appealed for help. Benjamin Latrobe, recently appointed architect of the U.S. Capitol, designed the new structure free of charge. His plans recommended a limestone façade in place of the original brick. Latrobe’s contribution, along with donations from Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and other prominent patriots, ensured the building’s swift reconstruction.

The cornerstone of Old West was placed on August 8, 1803. The building hosted its first classes in November 1805 and housed its first undergraduates in 1810. Future U.S. President James Buchanan, class of 1809, was among the first students to study in the new building.

In 1963 Old West was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark. Home to administrative offices and classrooms, Old West continues to be the centerpiece of Dickinson’s 115-acre campus.

Erected by Historic Carlisle, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson

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, the Former U.S. Presidents: #04 James Madison, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #15 James Buchanan series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1803.

Location. 40° 12.127′ N, 77° 11.708′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker is on W High Street (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling west. Marker is on W High Street, between West Street and College Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dickinson College (within shouting distance of this marker); The President’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Benjamin Rush (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old West (about 300 feet away); Dickinson College during the Gettysburg Campaign (about 300 feet away); Dickinson’s Historic Triangle (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Dr. Benjamin Rush (about 300 feet away); The John Dickinson Campus of Dickinson College (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.

More about this marker. The upper right of the marker contains the “Earliest known photograph of Old West, circa 1860.” Below this is a picture of “Benjamin

Marker in Carlisle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 7, 2010

2. Marker in Carlisle

Latrobe’s original plans for the north face of Old West, May 18, 1803.” Photos courtesy of Dickinson College Archives.

West College Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 7, 2010

3. West College Marker

Earliest Known Photo of West College image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown, circa 1860

4. Earliest Known Photo of West College

West College, Looking North image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 5, 2009

5. West College, Looking North

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5. submitted on March 17, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.