Site of Muse Academy
McKinney, Collin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A native of Virginia, James S. Muse (1804-1878) prospered as a hemp grower in Missouri before coming to Texas with his wife Margaret Slaughter. He bought 320 acres and built this house in 1858-59. In one wing which was later removed, he opened Muse Academy, also known as Mount Pleasant High School. A lay preacher in the Christian Church, he was also a Greek and Latin scholar. Other instructors, including his daughters, were added as the school grew. Many children of prominent pioneer families in North Texas attended. The school closed in 1871. (1978)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
James S. Muse, a Virginia-born scholar of Greek and Latin, prospered as a Missouri hemp grower before bringing his family to North Texas and building this house in 1858-59. In one wing he opened Muse Academy, also called Mount Pleasant High School, and as it grew he added instructors including his own daughters. A lay preacher in the Christian Church, Muse educated many children of prominent pioneer families before the school closed in 1871.
Why it matters
Private academies like Muse's were how classical education reached the antebellum Texas frontier, decades before a public school system existed to take its place.
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Related people
- · James S. Muse
- · Margaret Slaughter
Themes & tags
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