Eureka College has been designated as a Campus Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places. The college was recognized for the unique architecture of its buildings, some of which date to the mid-1850s. Eureka College was founded in 1848 as Walnut Grove Academy by abolitionists who were members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The distinctive architectural buildings on Eureka's campus include Italianate, Romanesque revival, Colonial revival and collegiate gothic revival. Burrus Dickinson Hall, the college's oldest remaining building, was constructed in 1858. In addition, the distinction recognizes 156 years of graduating leaders who have had an impact on American education and history, most notably Ronald W. Reagan, the 40th United States president, graduated from the college in 1932. To learn more, go to: www.disciples.org/Portals/0/PDF/DNS/2010/20100721-EurekaNationalRegisterHistoricPlaces.pdf