Nineteenth century America believed that with enough resources, political lobbying and human spirit, any town could become a central city. Towns promoted themselves in the hopes of acquiring the county seat, a railroad, or other public institution. Any of these it was believed, could assure a towns survival and growth.

On May 22, 1895, Governor Altgeld signed Senate Bill No. 148, which authorized the construction of the Eastern Illinois State Normal School. Charleston competed with numerous communities in east central Illinois for the normal school. Charleston newspapers praised the virtues of the city's water supply, picturesque setting, and other qualities.

Mattoon’s political connections made it a front-runner for the Normal School in eastern Illinois. Mattoon offered $40,000 more for construction costs than Charleston, and was a stop on the Illinois Central Railroad line. The State Trustees of the Eastern Illinois State Normal School, however, preferred the package offered by Charleston. “Charleston deserved it. She is much the prettiest town [and] is a more healthy location,” wrote former Charleston resident Lewis Monroe in the September 20, 1895, Charleston Scimitar.

The Normal School "is the culminating achievement of universal education . . . And the idea of universal education has at its basis the great principle of human equality.  Let the teacher go forth from the normal school fully inspired with this grand idea."

Dr. Richard Edwards, 
Dedication of Old Main 
August 29, 1899

The presence of the Normal School increased Charleston's population and promoted business growth.  Fashionable homes previously confined to Jackson and Monroe streets spread closer to the school on Sixth and Seventh streets.  New housing developed east of the school, along Lincoln Avenue, which runs in from of Old Main.  Gradually, Lincoln Avenue changed from a residential area to a commercial district.  Today, Charleston continues to expand west along Lincoln and south of the campus.