Staunton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Mary Baldwin College
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2008
1. Mary Baldwin College Marker
The oldest college for women related to the Presbyterian Church, U. S. Founded 1842 by Rufus W. Bailey as Augusta Female Seminary; renamed in 1895 to honor Mary Julia Baldwin, pioneer woman educator and Principal, 18631897.
Erected 1961 by Virginia State Library. (Marker Number I-17.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. 38° 9.042′ N, 79° 4.302′ W. Marker is in Staunton, Virginia. It is at the intersection of East Frederick Street and North New Street (Business Virginia Route 11), on the right on East Frederick Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Staunton VA 24401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: T. J. Collins & Son (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Augusta National Bank Building (about 600 feet away); Birthplace of Woodrow Wilson (about
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Augusta County: "Miss Baldwin: A Brief Memoir," by Armistead C. Gordon, March 6, 1925. From the Valley of the Shadow Project (Submitted on March 18, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.)
2. Traditions. University website entry (Submitted on May 3, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Mary Baldwin College (Augusta Female Seminary) and the Civil War
By 1863, the stresses of the Civil War threatened to close the Augusta Female Seminary. At one point, attendance was no more than six students.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2008
2. Mary Baldwin College Marker
Frederick Street is in the foreground. New Street continues its climb uphill between the marker and the house in the distance.
— Submitted March 18, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2008
3. Grafton Library, Mary Washington College
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2008
4. Administration Building, Mary Baldwin College
Photographed by Shane Oliver, August 21, 2021
5. Mary Baldwin College Marker
Note the Virginia History Trails sign attached to the marker pole.
Photographed by Shane Oliver, August 21, 2021
6. Mary Baldwin University Administration Building
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 21, 2025
7. Scott Hall - 249 Sycamore Street
Plaque at the right edge of the building:
This tablet is erected to her memory by the students of Mary Baldwin Seminary and College whom she served faithfully
1910 - 1934
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,592 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on August 26, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 7. submitted on August 6, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of Miss Baldwins gravesite. • Can you help?
