Clifty Falls State Park

Its Attractions and Adjacent Points of Interest,
Scenic and Historical

By George S. Cottman, 1925

Publication Number 48
The Department of Conservation, State of Indiana.
Division of Lands and Waters.

Eleutherian College
Photo taken 14 Feb 2001, by Ruth Hoggatt.

Lancaster and Eleutherian College.

Some ten miles northwest of the State Park, in the heart of the rolling country formed by Big creek and its tributaries, stands Lancaster, once a rather bustling little place with its various industries, but now a quiet, sleepy village. Its chief claim to notice is the part it once played in educational history and in the anti-slavery movement of the pre-Rebellion period. there were two "underground railroads" that crossed Jefferson county. One as before stated, went up Eagle hollow; the other, crossing the Ohio further down and seeking out Lancaster, which was known to be a nest of "abolitionists." The Nelsons, Hoyts, Tibbetts and Cravens were among those whose names are still remembered as apostles of freedom, who risked their standing in the community by befriending the black race. It was because of this stock, mostly from New England, that this was deemed a favorable location for a school that should educate negroes as well as whites. Such a school was founded in 1849 by the Rev. Thomas Craven, and, to quote William C. Thompson, son of one of the teachers "was named "Eleutherian Institute" from the Greek word 'eleutheros,' because the school was to be dedicated to the idea of freedom and equality." The scheme aroused much hostile sentiment and the torch was resorted to as a preventative, but the zeal of the Eleutherians was not to be thwarted. A substantial stone two-story school house, besides auxiliary buildings were constructed and served their philanthropic purpose for many years, and many negroes from various states were beholden to the institution for an educational chance. This and the "Union Liberty Institute," of Randolph county were the first schools in this State to admit colored pupils. The place was long known as "College Hill." The old stone college building, which still stands, was threatened with demolition a few years ago, but was saved, largely through the efforts of ex-Senator William A. Guthrie. The fullest published sketch of the Institute is that of William C. Thompson in the Indiana Magazine of history for June, 1923, and there is also an article by the same writer in the Indianapolis News for April 21, 1900. A novel entitled "The Twilight Zone," by a member of the Craven family, has the Eleutherian experiment for its theme.

Transcription and photo by Ruth Hoggatt.

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