F&M College’s Buchanan House is one of the oldest buildings on campus. It was built in 1857 as the residence for the campus janitor. The college’s first academic buildings were built at that same time: the College Building (today’s Old Main), Goethean Hall, and Diagnothian Hall.
William Marshall lived here in this home during that era, while working as the campus janitor. At that time there were no dormitories or other residences here on College Hill. So Mr. Marshall undoubtedly provided security for the campus in addition to his janitor duties.
The building eventually became home to college offices. In 1987 the college was named The Buchanan House, after U. S. President James Buchanan, who was the college’s first president of the board of trustees. The building’s later construction includes an addition and a front porch. 461 Old Main Dr. (Building #6) Lancaster, Pennsylvania