Elsah: Village History Between Bluffs

Elsah is a historic village in a valley between steep bluffs. Quiet streets and 19th-century stone houses evoke early 1800s America. Here, the landscape and historic streetscape come together: the valley describes the setting, while the streets and houses convey the character of the village. Those interested in local history will find several different points of interest in Elsah, including Principia College, two Historic Districts, the Village of Elsah Museum, and Farley Music Hall.

Campus History and Historic Districts

The development of Principia College in Elsah can be traced through a sequence of events. In 1930, a new campus site for Principia College was selected in Elsah; in 1935, the college moved from St. Louis to Elsah. The site selection and the move were two separate steps: the first year marks the selection, and the second the relocation of the college. The campus was designed by Bernard Maybeck. On April 19, 1993, Principia College received National Historic Landmark status from the United States Department of the Interior. Since 1993, the Principia College Historic District in Elsah has also been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The year 1993 thus marks two distinct historical references: the college’s Landmark status and the Historic District’s listing on the Register.

The Elsah Historic District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois. The two names refer to different historic districts: the Elsah Historic District and the Principia College Historic District. This distinction helps keep the listings for the village’s history and the college campus separate.

Buildings and Village Life

The Village of Elsah Museum is located in the Village Hall, a building constructed in 1887. Farley Music Hall was built in 1885 and developed into a center for various village activities. The construction dates are only two years apart, but refer to different buildings and functions: the museum is in the Village Hall, while Farley Music Hall is associated with the development of a center for village activities. Farley Music Hall is the older building; the Village Hall was built two years later.

Events and Photographic Perspectives

Elsah has two annual events held in different seasons and with different programs. The Home for the Holidays House Tour takes place on the first Saturday in December and includes a tour of the historic village. The annual Village of Elsah 4th of July Parade and Potluck Party begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Elsah Civic Center; the parade is followed by a community potluck and celebration. The House Tour pairs a December date with a walking tour, while the July 4 celebration brings together a parade, a community meal, and festivities. When planning your trip, check the dates and program details for your preferred year, as they may change.

Elsah offers amateur and professional photographers the opportunity to capture an impression of the past. This provides another perspective on the village’s historic character, alongside its annually scheduled events. When planning your stay, you can choose between visiting around a specific event date and focusing on local history and photography.

Discover more destinations: Grafton, Jerseyville.

For the broader travel overview: Jersey County.