# Old University of Chicago

> former university in Chicago

**Wikidata**: [Q7085361](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7085361)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_University_of_Chicago)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/old-university-of-chicago

## Summary
The Old University of Chicago was a former university in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1857. It operated until it closed and was later succeeded by the modern University of Chicago, established in 1890. The institution played an early role in higher education in the Midwest.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1857 in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Located at coordinates 41.8317° N, 87.6114° W.
- Identified as a predecessor to the current University of Chicago.
- VIAF ID: 153934961; Library of Congress authority ID: no2001031682.
- Associated with the Encyclopedia of Chicago ID: 1448.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Old University of Chicago founded?
A: The Old University of Chicago was founded in 1857.

### Q: Why is it referred to as the "Old" University of Chicago?
A: It is called "Old" to distinguish it from the modern University of Chicago, which was established later in 1890.

### Q: Where was the university located?
A: The university was situated in Chicago, Illinois, at coordinates 41.8317° N, 87.6114° W.

## Why It Matters
The Old University of Chicago holds historical significance as an early attempt to establish a Baptist-affiliated institution of higher education in the Midwest. Though it ultimately closed, its legacy connects to the founding of the modern University of Chicago, which became a globally renowned research institution. The Old University reflects the challenges faced by 19th-century educational ventures, including financial instability and shifting institutional priorities. Its brief existence underscores the evolving role of universities in American society and the perseverance required to sustain academic endeavors.

## Notable For
- Served as a predecessor to the current University of Chicago, established in 1890.
- Operated under Baptist affiliation during its existence.
- Faced financial difficulties that contributed to its closure.
- Maintains archival identifiers, including VIAF ID and Library of Congress authority records.

## Body
### History
- **Founding**: The Old University of Chicago was established in 1857 as a Baptist institution.
- **Closure**: The university ceased operations, later succeeded by the modern University of Chicago in 1890.

### Location
- **Coordinates**: 41.8317° N, 87.6114° W.
- **Region**: Chicago, Illinois, United States.

### Legacy
- **Archival Records**: The institution is documented in the Encyclopedia of Chicago (ID: 1448) and holds a VIAF ID (153934961) and Library of Congress authority ID (no2001031682).
- **Succession**: The current University of Chicago, founded in 1890, is recognized as its successor, though the two institutions are distinct in governance and history.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File