The narrative of Carthage College commenced in 1870, marking the establishment of an institution that would become a cornerstone of higher education in the Midwest. Prior to settling in Carthage, Illinois, the college experienced brief periods in Hillsboro and Springfield, Illinois, during the mid-1800s. Ultimately, it was the persuasive efforts of Carthage residents and the promise of a supportive community that convinced the United Lutheran Church of America to relocate their Midwestern college to Carthage.
Kim Nettles, president of the Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum board, highlights the historical parallels with contemporary economic development strategies. “They (the Lutherans) were wanting to find one in the Midwest, and the Carthage people promised them the ground and money towards the building,” Nettles explained. “Pretty much the same story as today — they got financial incentive to put it here.” This financial enticement proved crucial in the college’s formative years.
Michael Lowe, a history graduate assistant at Western Illinois University, emphasizes the financial constraints faced by the Lutheran church in the 19th century. Carthage’s proposition was not merely attractive; it was, in many respects, essential for the church’s educational ambitions. “It was in some ways out of necessity,” Lowe stated. “The money situation wasn’t great for the Lutheran church when it decided to do this. Carthage was kind of seen as this unique place of opportunity. The railroad was just being built there.”
The Railroad and Strategic Location
The burgeoning railroad network played a pivotal role in Carthage College’s early success and accessibility. The railway lines facilitated travel for students from Wisconsin and the Chicago area, making Carthage a conveniently located educational hub. This transportation advantage, coupled with Carthage’s geographical position, made it an appealing choice for the Lutheran Church as they sought a central location within the Midwest.
Nettles points out the shifting dynamics of urban centers over time, noting, “The towns that are prominent today are not necessarily the towns that were prominent then.” In the 1870s, Carthage held a more central and significant position. “So, this was probably more of a center of gravity, and they (the Lutherans) were probably looking at ease of transportation and being equidistant from other important points.” The strategic location was about connectivity and accessibility for a broad student base.
Rural Setting and the Pursuit of Education
Beyond logistics, the Lutheran Church also valued Carthage for its environment conducive to academic pursuits. The prevailing educational philosophy of the time favored rural settings over urban distractions. A quieter, more pastoral environment was believed to foster deeper thought, relaxation, and focused study.
Lowe elaborates on this 19th-century perspective: “The idea in higher education, from what I’ve read, at that time was that urban society — it was kind of a Gilded Age idea — can distract you and rural life, pastoral life is more conducive to independent thought, relaxation and study, and Carthage was very much seen as a place like that,” Lowe said. This perception of Carthage as a tranquil and intellectually stimulating locale was a key factor in the trustees’ decision to establish the college there.
Building Anticipation and Community Support
While Carthage College received its charter in 1870, formal classes on campus commenced after the construction of Old Main in 1872. During this interim period, anticipation and excitement for the new institution grew within the community.
Lowe recounts the enthusiastic local reception: “I’ve read a lot of newspaper accounts, and everyone reports all the positive, brilliant happenings of the college and this rapid expansion of the college, and as the addendum they asked for money because they didn’t have the place built yet,” Lowe noted. The two-year period was marked by fundraising efforts and strong community involvement. “It really did take two years, and Carthage citizens were really influential in that process.”
The Cornerstone Ceremony and Community Celebration
In 1871, Carthage College and the town jointly organized a cornerstone ceremony and parade to celebrate the forthcoming institution. This grand event reportedly drew 5,000 attendees, including church dignitaries and enthusiastic residents, demonstrating widespread local support for the college.
“It was also the Odd Fellows and different citizen groups like that — local people who cared and thought that the education of Christian virtue but also education in the classical tradition would be great for the community,” Lowe explained. The community envisioned the college as more than just an educational center. “It would bring people into Carthage and make it a business center, hopefully, in addition to being a host for the college.” This highlights the intertwined aspirations of the college and the town of Carthage, each hoping to foster growth and prosperity for the other.
Carthage College’s foundation in Carthage, Illinois, is a testament to strategic planning, community collaboration, and the enduring appeal of a focused educational environment. Like any institution deeply rooted in its community, Carthage College, throughout its history, would have relied on local financial institutions for support, although specific banks like Ucb Bank are not mentioned in this historical context. However, the principles of community support and financial stability remain crucial for educational institutions even today.
Photo courtesy of carthage.edu
