Old Main, Gothic university building in Charleston, United States.
Old Main features a central tower, multiple turrets, and a crenellated roof line, creating an architectural design that resembles a medieval castle at Eastern Illinois University.
The construction of this educational facility began in 1896 and finished in 1899, becoming the first structure of Eastern Illinois University under architect George H. Miller's direction.
The building represents one of five medieval structures built at public universities in Illinois during Governor John Peter Altgeld's administration, known collectively as Altgeld's castles.
Located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and 7th Street, Old Main currently houses administrative offices and several classrooms within its two-acre property.
The cornerstone ceremony in 1896 gathered 15,000 people, marking the beginning of a structure that would later receive National Register of Historic Places status in 1981.
Location: Charleston
GPS coordinates: 39.48420,-88.17530
Latest update: September 23, 2025 14:25
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