Lodge #17). Macomb was in direct competition with Quincy, Aledo, Monmouth, La Harpe, and Rushville, as candidates for the site of a "western" university. The Illinois legislature selected Macomb as the location. University administrators uncovered evidence of the Freemasons' efforts on Macomb's behalf when they opened Sherman Hall's (the administration building) cornerstone during centennial celebrations. Named after legislative leader L.Y. Sherman.
Classes first began on campus on September 23, 1902 with 229 students enrolled. Founders’ Day is celebrated on campus every September 23 to mark this event.
The university's name has changed three times since its foundation as the Western Illinois State Normal School in 1899: the school was first renamed Western Illinois State Teachers College in 1921 and then to Western Illinois State College in 1947 and finally Western Illinois University in 1957.
Sherman Hall was the university's primary facility for many years, but as the university and its programs expanded, …
