Over one hundred fifty years ago...an uplifting place was created on a majestic hill in the village of Lancaster. It stands as a statement of a group of people who believed in education for all. It is often said, " if these walls could speak" ...and in a sense they do through the large collection of graffiti found on the classroom walls date as early as 1858.

A short history

High on a hill in the village of Lancaster in Southern Indiana stands the Eleutherian College Founded in 1848, this building is a monument to a group of people believing in education, the arts and equality without the regard to race or gender.

Lancaster, ten miles north of Madison, was an antislavery stronghold in the pre-civil War days. The College with strong roots in abolition was involved with the underground railroad and served as the first stop leading north from Madison. Teachers and students helped to hide fugitive slaves being educated at the college before they moved further north.

The Eleutherian College Classroom & Chapel building possesses an architectural grandeur and historical integrity that is extraordinary among Jefferson County's numerous historic buildings. These qualities, in addition to the College’s historical significance, make it one of Indiana's most important historic properties. .

By virtue of it's name, Eleutherian- derived from the Greek word “eleutherous” meaning “ freedom or equality” - the college represents the highest aspiraations of the African American who lived, studied and worshipped in Jefferson County, and who contributed immeasurably to its history.

The school was founded by Rev. Thomas Craven of Oxford Ohio, who came to Lancaster as a guest preacher at the Neil’s Creek Anti-Slavery Regular Baptist Church. He told of his dream where whites and blacks, men and women, and students of mixed blood would attend classes together. Many residents of the area offered to help and, working together, a school dedicated to freedom and equality was built on a hill overlooking the community.

Classes began in an old meeting house near the village sawmill along neighboring Middle fork Creek. In 1856 the large stone building was completed on the hill. The stone was quarried nearby, the timber was readily available and all the labor was contributed, so cost was negligible. The building measures 65 feet by 42 feet.

The two front doors open into an entrance hall an additional set of doors open into the large chapel room that rises two stories high and has a wide sloping balcony. There are two enclosed stairways at each end of the entrance hall leading to seven classrooms located on the second and third floor. The bell tower still contains the original cast iron bell which was cast in Madison, Indiana and brought to the College by ox cart, rings over the surrounding farmland.

The best years of the College were from 1858 to 1861. In 1856 there were 18 African American students, 10 whom were born slaves. In 1860 two hundred students were enrolled, 50 of them were African American. Names included on the early rosters were those of Jefferson, Johnson and Clay.  Eleutherian College was a teachers training school from it's beginning until 1887, when it became a grade school until 1937 and has been empty since that date.  Bought in 1990 to restore and tell this wonderful story and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.  We have also gotten another honor as being a Civil War Site, because the Indiana 6th Regiment had part of its unit on the college grounds for training before leaving for the Civil War.  Most of our male students, both black and white, entered the Union side of the war.  Many were killed and wounded.  

Designations

The college building is listed in the Indiana & National Register of Historic Places, a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Park Service, Save America's Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a Millennium Trail. Site.

Visitor Center

In October the much awaited Visitor Center / Museum was open adjacent to the College Building. The center features exhibits and information about the history of the college and village of Lancaster. When visiting the college - please use the driveway next to the visitor center to enter. 

Lyman Hoyt House

The Lyman Hoyt House located also in Lancaster is owned by Historic Eleutherian College, Inc. This was the residence of Lyman & Aseneth Hoyt. Lyman Hoyt who was a known conductor on the Underground Railroad in Lancaster and was an officer in the Neil‘s Creek Anti-Slavery Society located in Lancaster. The residence is in the initial stages of restoration and is open for tours by appointment only.

 
Today

The Historic Eleutherian College is now owned and operated by Historic Eleutherian College, Inc. a non-profit organization established to restore and interpret this very special place. The college building as well as the visitor center are open to visitors through out the year. The organization has a board of directors as well a an advisory board.  The project is founded solely by contributions, donations and grants.  If you would like to get involved just drop us a note today at eleutherian@eleutherian.us

Hours

Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm.   Please call (812) 273-9434 or email for guided tours.

Hope to see you real soon!