The Windsor Ruins are by far the most famous ruins in Mississippi, but they’re not the only ruins in the state. Just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, lies another set of strange looking ruins. Brimming with history, the dilapidated structure is all the remains of Elizabeth Female Academy – the South’s 1st institution of higher learning for women. Take a look:
Located at milepost 5.1, the ruins of Elizabeth Female Academy is the first stop on the Natchez Trace.
Angel M./Foursquare Just keep your eyes peeled for the sign; then follow the paved path to the ruins.
The ruins might not look like much, but they’re actually brimming with history.
mdah.ms.gov
Dubbed the “mother of female colleges,” the academy was the first institution of higher learning for women in the South, and possibly, the nation.
mdah.ms.gov It’s also revered by some as the first to offer degrees to women; however, this fact is disputed by some scholars, who claim it was a secondary preparatory school, and that Georgia’s Wesleyan College was the first to offer degrees to women.
Prior to Elizabeth Female Academy opening its doors in November of 1818, many young women attended Jefferson College, which was opened in 1811.
mdah.ms.gov Once classes began at the academy, Jefferson College lost its female students and, in turn, suffered financially because of lost tuition.
The school was named after Elizabeth Greenfield Roach, who donated the land on which the school was located.
Angel M./Foursquare
Elizabeth Female Academy operated successfully for several decades. Eventually, however, the school had trouble finding students and had to close its doors in 1845.
National Park Planner
In 1870, a fire destroyed the school, leaving behind the ruins that exist today.
National Park Planner
Ready to explore these historic ruins? Elizabeth Female Academy is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 5.1. For more information, click here.
Angel M./Foursquare
Just keep your eyes peeled for the sign; then follow the paved path to the ruins.
mdah.ms.gov
It’s also revered by some as the first to offer degrees to women; however, this fact is disputed by some scholars, who claim it was a secondary preparatory school, and that Georgia’s Wesleyan College was the first to offer degrees to women.
Once classes began at the academy, Jefferson College lost its female students and, in turn, suffered financially because of lost tuition.
National Park Planner
So, did you know about this site? Ever visited? Tell us in the comments section!
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “The Remnants Of This Abandoned Church In Mississippi Are Hauntingly Beautiful.“
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