Elgin Academy, college preparatory school in Elgin, Illinois
Elgin Academy is a school building in Illinois that has stood since 1856, recognizable for its classic architectural style. The main structure, called Old Main, features sturdy brick walls and large windows typical of older educational buildings, making it stand out in its surroundings.
Elgin Academy was founded in 1839, shortly after the city of Elgin itself was established, and was groundbreaking for teaching boys and girls without religious requirements. During the Civil War, 153 students and staff left to fight for the Union, and their names are inscribed on two salvaged cannons that still commemorate their sacrifice.
Elgin Academy was a rare school for its era, welcoming both boys and girls without religious requirements when such openness was uncommon. The school became woven into community life through its traditions like the student newspaper and teams called the Hilltoppers, named for the hill where the building stood.
The building sits on a hill in Elgin and is easily visible from the street, making it straightforward to locate and visit. Old Main now operates as a museum open to visitors interested in exploring the local history and the structure's architectural features.
One striking fact is that the building was struck by lightning in 1911 during a storm and caught fire, yet the school rebuilt and continued forward. This resilience reflects how deeply rooted the institution was in the community and how central it remained to local identity.
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