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A black and white photo of four Knox students gather around a Knox professor, who is pointing to a map on a table.

Our History

Consider the principles upon which Knox College was founded in 1837, and it's no wonder Knox is a place of great debate and action.

Circular and Plan Knox Presidents

Five things nearly everyone here can tell you about our history

Abraham Lincoln inscription on Old Main

  1. We were founded in 1837. Our founders opposed slavery in all forms—physical, spiritual, intellectual—and believed deeply in the potential of every human being to learn, grow, and contribute to the greater good of the community. This was a radical idea at the time. Our roots matter. They also described their intentions for the College in their Circular and Plan, which still resides in our Special Collections and Archives.
  2. Our first president stood up in opposition to discrimination against women. Our nineteenth president, Teresa Amott, developed an innovative community partnership with Galesburg (KnoxCorps). We live out our ideals.
  3. Our alumni make good things happen. From long ago: Samuel McClure, Class of 1882, joined other Knox alumni to found McClure's, a magazine that championed the work of muckrakers-progressive, activist journalists. From right now: Matt Berg '00 was named one of Time's 100 most influential people for his work to improve health care through the Millennium Villages Project.
  4. The fifth Lincoln-Douglas debate was held on campus in 1858. Lincoln used the occasion to denounce slavery on moral terms for the first time. This was not a coincidence.
  5. Our Honor Code was developed by students. One of those students, Ismat Kittani '51, came to Knox from Iraq; he went on to become president of the United Nations General Assembly. Students shaping the character of their community; students coming here from around the world; students going on to attain leadership roles on a global stage—again, not a coincidence. Just Knox. Consider the principles upon which the College was founded, and it's no wonder Knox is a place of great debate and action.

Together Since 1837

George Washington Gale set out for the Illinois prairie more than 175 years ago, he fully intended to found both a college and a town, both supporting and sustaining the other. Knox and Galesburg have been together ever since.

Explore Knox & Galesburg History
  • A black and white photo of Old Main, circa mid-1800s.
  • A black and white photo of a chemistry class in the early 20th century. Two students stand at a lab table while a professor oversees their work.
  • A black and white photo of the Knox women's golf team, circa 1950. Four students watch as one students takes a putt.
  • A black and white photo from 1957 thar shows a group of students gathered in a circle looking at fossils.
  • The 1976 Knox College football team plays a game in the Knosher Bowl.
  • Members of A.B.L.E. (Allied Blacks for Liberty and Equality) gather in a student lounge in 1973.
  • A black and white photo of the Knox College softball team, circa 1980. The team sits on top and stands in front of a white bus
  • A black and white photo of Professor of Mathematics Dennis Schneider and a student sitting in front of two computer screens featuring graphic models.

Explore More Knox History

Honorary Degrees U.S. Presidential Visits