Hamilton Primary School Bell - Otterville, Illinois
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 39° 03.055 W 090° 23.841
15S E 725222 N 4325650
Original school bell for the Hamilton Primary School in Otterville, Illinois.
Waymark Code: WM126K
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 12/22/2006
Views: 23
"In 1834 Dr. Silas Hamilton, physician and humanitarian, bequeathed $4,000 for construction and operation of a building for educational and religious purposes. A stone school was opened in 1836, and the tuition-free education for local students attracted families to this area. The school was razed in 1872, rebuilt and enlarged, with the original stones at the base. Classes were held here until 1971. George Washington, a slave freed by Dr. Hamilton, studied here, became successful, and established a perpetual scholarship fund for Americans of African descent. He also provided for the erection of a monument to his former master." ~ text of historical marker at site
The school was the first first free school in the State of Illinois and the first integrated school in the nation.
The school is now under the care of the Otter Creek Historical Society, Inc. and they are restoring the school.
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