Welcome to Cornell College!
This tour includes the historic buildings of Cornell College’s campus, which is unique in that it is one of two college campuses nationwide included in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places. Cornell College, originally the Iowa Conference Seminary, was founded in 1853 by Reverend George Bryant Bowman, a Methodist Episcopal minister when Mount Vernon as a town was still quite young. Bowman was known for his steadfast devotion to his pursuits. He had already had a church constructed in the town and was relentless in his ambition to found the school, going door to door to ask for funds for the institution. A 1977 article from the Cornellian publication even states that Bowman was described as “The College Beggar” for these methods of fundraising. For all his dedication, Bowman was somewhat secretive, keeping minimal records and refusing to allow others to see the details of his plans unless it was absolutely necessary.
Finally, classes began in September of 1853, making it the first institution west of the Mississippi to permit both male and female students. Initially, it was a Seminary and preparatory school. It then transitioned to being both a college and a Seminary after its name changed to Cornell College in 1855. The name change was in honor of William Cornell, as the college hoped for a sizable donation from the wealthy cousin of Ezra Cornell. Ultimately the institution did not receive much money at all, nor was the Cornell family consulted in renaming the college. Thus, the name change led to some embarrassment.
Over time the College’s primary education was phased out and it became exclusively a college, adding buildings through the years as it grew. Today, Cornell offers its students a unique liberal arts education, allowing students to immerse themselves in their studies by taking one course at a time.
Tour curated by Hannah Robertson ‘18 and Brad Kane ‘18 under the direction of Professor Catherine Stewart, History Department