Philomath College was chartered November 1865 as the United Brethren School for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and California. The name combines two Greek words meaning love of learning. The building’s center structure was completed in September 1867 of bricks made from clay extruded near the building. The center structure is 40 x 60 feet in 2-feet-thick walls. The west wing was completed in 1905; the east wing in 1907. The coeducational college offered a classical curriculum which reflected pioneer dedication to education. After 62 years and more than 6,000 students, Philomath College closed in June 1929. Names for the college, the City of Philomath grew up about the campus. Philomath College building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior December 1972.

Location: Grounds of Benton County Historical Society

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