Site of Columbus Female Seminary
Columbus, Colorado County, Texas
Marker Inscription
First organized school in Columbus. Founded Feb. 3, 1851, by Caledonia Lodge No. 68, A. F. & A. M.; housed on first floor of lodge hall at this site. Seminary taught literary subjects, music, art, for many years. Building was destroyed in Sept. 1909 hurricane. (1973)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded on February 3, 1851, by the local Masonic lodge, the Columbus Female Seminary was the first organized school in Columbus, occupying the first floor of the lodge hall. For many years it taught literary subjects, music, and art to the town's young women. The building was destroyed by the great hurricane of September 1909.
Why it matters
The seminary marks an early commitment to women's education in antebellum Texas, at a time when schooling for girls was still far from assured on the frontier.
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Related events
- · 1909 hurricane
Themes & tags
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