First Free School in Illinois - Jerseyville, IL - First of its Kind on Waymarking.com

County of marker: Jersey County
Location of marker: Washington St., courthouse lawn, Jerseyville
Marker erected by: Jersey County Historical Society
Date marker erected: 1918

Marker text:

"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." ~ State of Illinois Historical Society

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