John Walker, an abolitionist and Presbyterian Church minister, established Alma College in New Athens in 1818.

[2] The college also graduated Titus Basfield, an African-American student and former slave, as well as several prominent women.

[3] The college slowly dwindled until only one building remained, which ceased operations in 1919, due to a decrease in enrollment.

The current building, number 5 of the original college layout, sits on a slight hill overlooking Main Street below.

The recessed main entrance is located in the center of the "U" and is framed by four Corinthian columns supporting an entablature and a pediment.

The building rests upon rusticated sandstone blocks with small rectangular windows illuminating the bottom floor.