https://cuexhibits.wrlc.org/exhibits/show/the-heritage-of-cua
The leading proponent of a national Catholic university was the Rev. John Lancaster Spalding (pictured below) who in 1877 was appointed first Bishop of Peoria. Spalding envisioned a university that would train American–born clergymen and combat prejudice against Catholics by creating a truly excellent national intellectual center.
This aerial view of the campus ca. 1890 shows the pastoral setting of the university not long after its founding in 1887.