Illinois State University

Founded in 1857, Illinois State Normal University (today Illinois State University) is the state's oldest public institution of higher education. Completed between 1989-1999, the "Lincoln Gates" serve as the formal entrance to the west end of the Quadrangle. The University's first classes were held in downtown Bloomington while plans were made for a substantial school building on the Normal campus. Construction of "Old Main" (below) began in 1857 and wasn't completed until 1861. Old Main was razed in 1959.