A historic frontier Episcopal college (1840–1862) now preserved as an Illinois state park and museum.
Jubilee College was founded in 1839 by Episcopal Bishop Philander Chase, who named it to express thankfulness and joy. The cornerstone of the chapel and schoolhouse was laid on April 3, 1839, and the two-story Gothic Revival building was consecrated on November 15, 1840. The college's collegiate and theological departments became operational by 1841. Chase deliberately isolated the institution from towns to minimize distractions and maintained personal control, acquiring 3,910 acres and holding all structures in his name. The college closed in 1862 following Chase's death in 1852.
The college maintained an average enrollment of about 50 students with three or four faculty members. Until 1852, tuition was $100 per year, with reduced rates for sons of Illinois clergy (half price) and free education for orphans. Most students were from Illinois, though some came from Connecticut and other eastern or southern states. The first graduation occurred in July 1847 with five degree recipients. The campus included a chapel, classrooms, dormitories, a printing press for the periodical 'The Motto,' a store, blacksmith shop, shoemaker's shop, and support buildings.
The original 3,910-acre property featured the main Gothic Revival building, Bishop Chase's residence (Robin's Nest), a sawmill and grist mill on Kickapoo Creek two miles south, and various support structures. Fires destroyed the sawmill and grist mill in September 1849 and damaged the main building's west wing in 1857. The site was presented to the state of Illinois in 1933 (then 93 acres) and has since expanded to 3,200 acres. The state park now includes over 40 miles of multi-use trails, camping areas, and the restored historic site featuring a recreated schoolmaster's office, library, video theater, and museum exhibits.
After closure in 1862, the property was leased for school use and later sold. The state of Illinois acquired the property in 1932–1933. The Civilian Conservation Corps repaired the building in the 1930s, and major restorations occurred in the 1970s. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Public tours began in 1986 but were interrupted by state budget closures (2008–2009). The historic site reopened to the public in September 2022 and is now operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.