National Register Listing

Eureka College Administration and Chapel

300 College Ave., Eureka, IL
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education architecture
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the most devastating fires in U.S. history. The fire destroyed much of the city, including over 17,000 buildings and left more than 100,000 people homeless. The fire started in a barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O'Leary, but the cause of the fire is still debated to this day.
Illinois random facts
Woodford County, located in central Illinois, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kickapoo and Piankashaw. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with the establishment of Fort Clark. This fort served as a trading post for fur traders and explorers passing through the region.

In 1831, Woodford County was officially established and named after Woodford, Kentucky. The county quickly grew with the arrival of more settlers, attracted by the fertile Illinois prairie and the opportunities for farming. The first county seat was located in Versailles but later moved to the current location of Eureka in 1896.

The county's economy was primarily agricultural, with crops like corn, wheat, and oats being the main products. In the mid-19th century, the construction of canals and railroads brought increased connectivity to Woodford County, facilitating the transportation of goods and further contributing to its growth.

Woodford County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its residents volunteering to fight for the Union Army. The county also supported the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to freedom.

Today, Woodford County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. The county's historic sites and landmarks, such as the Woodford County Courthouse and the Eureka College campus, serve as reminders of its noteworthy past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Woodford County, Illinois.

  • 1825 - Woodford County is established as a county in the state of Illinois.
  • 1837 - The county seat is established in the town of Metamora.
  • 1852 - The first railroad is built, connecting Woodford County to other parts of Illinois and facilitating transportation and trade.
  • 1861-1865 - Woodford County actively participates in the American Civil War, with many residents enlisting in the Union Army.
  • 1875 - The current Woodford County Courthouse in Eureka is completed, replacing the original courthouse in Metamora.
  • 1930s - Woodford County, like many areas across the United States, suffers from the Great Depression, with significant economic challenges and high unemployment rates.
  • 1978 - Eureka College, located in Woodford County, becomes the official site of the Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden.
  • 2013 - The Woodford County Historical Society is established, dedicated to preserving and promoting the county's history.