Old Main

Old Main is a Gothic university building at Eastern Illinois University featuring a central tower, multiple smaller turrets, and a crenellated roofline. The structure resembles a medieval castle and sits on approximately two acres, housing administrative offices and several classrooms.

Construction began in 1896 and finished in 1899, making it the first building of Eastern Illinois University under architect George H. Miller's direction. The structure was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

The building is part of a group of five medieval-inspired structures built at public universities in Illinois during Governor John Peter Altgeld's administration, known together as Altgeld's Castles. These structures reflect a specific architectural vision of that era.

The building sits at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and 7th Street and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should note that this is an active university building, so interior access may be limited depending on the academic schedule.

The cornerstone ceremony in 1896 drew about 15,000 people, reflecting the public significance of this inaugural academic building for the newly established university. This large public gathering demonstrates how much the community valued the new institution.