West College: A National Historic Landmark
Walking Tour Stop 16
West College – known affectionately as Old West – traces its roots to February 1803, when the college’s main building burned to the ground after four years of costly construction. In a bind, the college trustees appealed for help. Benjamin Latrobe, recently appointed architect of the U.S. Capitol, designed the new structure free of charge. His plans recommended a limestone façade in place of the original brick. Latrobe’s contribution, along with donations from Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and other prominent patriots, ensured the building’s swift reconstruction.
The cornerstone of Old West was placed on August 8, 1803. The building hosted its first classes in November 1805 and housed its first undergraduates in 1810. Future U.S. President James Buchanan, class of 1809, was among the first students to study in the new building.
In 1963 Old West was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark. Home to administrative offices and classrooms, Old West continues to be the centerpiece of Dickinson’s 115-acre campus.
Marker is on W High Street (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
