Since 1845: Baldwin Wallace Among ‘50 Most Historically Notable Colleges in America’

Even under a blanket of snow, the 176-year history of Baldwin Wallace University shines.

So, it's no wonder BW was chosen as one of "50 Most Historically Notable Colleges in America" by Best College Reviews - the only Ohio school to make the list.

Freedom and high ideals

Best College Reviews noted,

"Our nation's colleges are steeped in history - the history of freedom and a peoples' attempt to live up to high ideals.

From the first colleges founded on the shores of Colonial America, to colleges who saw battle during the Civil War, stood up in the face of segregation, or those founded out west as land-grant institutions, every college has a unique story that is woven into a tapestry of history we call America."

With the "high ideals" of equal access to education, John Baldwin founded the pre-curser to BW, the Baldwin Institute, in 1845. The school was among the first in the nation to accept any student regardless of race or gender.

Two notable historic districts

Colleges selected for the most notable list had to blend both a "significant contribution to American history" and official National Historic District or Register designations, as well as provide access to the public.

The BW campus was lauded for two historic districts, the Lyceum Square area along Seminary Street and the North Quad.

According to Best College Reviews, each of the 14 historic buildings on the BW campus "has fascinating historical significance."

Six 1800s Historic Halls

View the slideshow below for a taste of the 1800s history lived out in these hallowed BW halls. Historical caption information is sourced from the Ritter Library's "Encyclopedia of Baldwin Wallace University: Campus Locations."