Eleutherian College /

A U.S. National Historic Landmark, Eleutherian College, founded in 1848 as Eleutherian Institute, was the first college in Indiana to admit students without regard to race or sex. It is now a public museum. Its name comes from the Greek word eleutheros which means "free". It is located in the unincorporated town of Lancaster in Jefferson County. The college was founded by members of the Neil’s Creek Abolitionist Baptist Church, with much of the organizing done by the extended Hoyt-Whipple family. Lyman Hoyt was married to Aseneth Whipple Hoyt, the niece of William Whipple, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Aseneth’s sister, Lucy Whipple Nelson, was a strong abolitionist and encouraged Lyman and Aseneth to move to Lancaster, Indiana. Walter Hoyt and his brother Benajah soon followed. In the 1830s-1860s, Lancaster was the center of a burgeoning abolitionist community, largely centered around the Neil’s Creek Abolitionist Baptist Church. The Hoyts soon became involved in the Neil’s Creek Church. Lyman Hoyt became a well-known “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, and provided shelter and supplies to runaway slaves. The Hoyts helped to establish the Eleutherian