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Jubilee College State Historic Site: A Glimpse into Illinois's Educational Past

Explore a restored 19th-century college campus and experience Illinois's frontier educational history at Jubilee College State Historic Site.

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Jubilee College State Historic Site, near Brimfield, Illinois, preserves the remnants of an early 19th-century frontier college. Founded in 1839 by Episcopal Bishop Philander Chase, the site features a restored 1840s building that once housed the college's chapel, classrooms, and dormitories, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Jubilee College State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Check the site's operating hours before visiting, as it is only open Friday and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds and exploring the historic building.
  • Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the picnic area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Jubilee College State Historic Site is located off U.S. Route 150, between Kickapoo and Brimfield in Peoria County. From I-74 Eastbound, take the Brimfield Exit #75, turn left, then right onto US Rte 150 and drive 4 miles; the entrance is on the left. Westbound travelers should take Exit #82 toward Kickapoo, turn left onto US Rte 150 and drive 4 miles to the park entrance on the right. Free parking is available on site.

  • Public Transport

    From Peoria, you can take a Greyhound bus to Brimfield. Check the Greyhound schedule for current travel times. From Brimfield, a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can take you to Jubilee College State Historic Site, approximately 11817 W Jubilee College Rd. The rideshare may cost $10-$15, depending on the distance and time of day.

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Discover more about Jubilee College State Historic Site

Step back in time at Jubilee College State Historic Site, where the spirit of 19th-century education comes alive. Founded in 1839 by Philander Chase, the first Episcopal Bishop of Illinois, Jubilee College aimed to provide classical and theological education in a rural setting. The college, which included a theological seminary, a college, a preparatory school for boys, and a school for girls, operated until 1862. The centerpiece of the site is the restored two-story sandstone building, constructed between 1839 and 1844. Its design was adapted from an Anglican chapel near London, England. Today, visitors can explore representations of an 1840s Episcopal chapel, classrooms, and dormitory rooms. The west wing features a recreated schoolmaster's office and library, along with a video theater and museum exhibits outlining the college's history. While the college saw early success, the death of Chase in 1852 brought a period of instability, leading to its closure in 1862. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and reopened to the public in September 2022 after being closed for a decade. The grounds also feature a picnic pavilion, day-use areas, a prairie plant area, an herb garden, and a butterfly garden.

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