Ellicott City in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Patapsco Female Institute
"The Female Institute—oh my!!"
The Patapsco Female Institute—served the young ladies of the North and South from 1837 to 1890. Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps, a renowned author and educator was Principal between 1841 and 1856. Concerned with the increasing division of the country during the period, she hoped to bring young women of the regions together in friendship. In 1850, she wrote, "My daughters, do something for your country by using the influence within your sphere, to allay the strife and contention which endangers its prosperity, honor, and the stability of its government." Although Phelps was a slave owner who chided the "fanatacism" of the abolitionists, she also ardently supported the Union. A son, Charles E. Phelps, and a stepson, John W. Phelps, served in the U.S. Army during the war and became generals; the former also received the Medal of Honor.
Phelps' successor, Robert H. Archer, evacuated the school in May 1861, but reopened for the 1862-63 school year. In the fall of 1862, the 12th New Jersey Infantry camped nearby to guard the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Capt. Richard S. Thompson wrote of his fascinating experiences regarding the Institute and its inhabitants. On October 8-9, he "made demand on Mr. [Robert] Archer, Pres. of the Female Institute, for arms and have quite a time. … Interesting time, the search of the Female Institute—oh
this page online
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Civil • Women. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), the Maryland Civil War Trails, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1861.
Location. 39° 16.285′ N, 76° 47.82′ W. Marker is in Ellicott City, Maryland, in Howard County. Marker is on Church Road, 0.1 miles north of Sylvan Lane, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3655 Church Rd, Ellicott City MD 21043, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Floral Pressings & Legacies (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Patapsco Female Institute (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Patapsco Female Institute (about 500 feet away); Howard County Jail, 1851 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mount Ida (approx. 0.2 miles away); Votes For Women (approx. ¼ mile away); Howard County Courthouse, 1843 (approx. ¼ mile away); Sunflower Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellicott City.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on August 24, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
