Lexington in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
First Teachers' College
Lexington Center
Photographed by Amy Dettmer, May 16, 2022
1. First Teachers' College Marker
This building was constructed in 1822 to house the Lexington Academy, a private school. In 1839, Horace Mann, Secretary to the Massachusetts Board of Education, persuaded the state to establish the nation's first normal schools, or teachers' colleges. Classes were held here for women only (other schools were male only, or co-ed) for five years. When enrollment grew too large, the Board found new quarters in Newton.
After a colorful period when the building successively housed a church, a variety store and a movie theater, the Lexington Masons acquired it in the 1920s.
Erected by Lexington Center. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 42° 27.02′ N, 71° 13.82′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is at the intersection of Harrington Road and Bedford Street (Massachusetts Route 225), on the right when traveling west on Harrington Road. The marker is to the left of the brick path leading up to the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. 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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: House of Jonathan Harrington (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Buckman Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Cambridge Farms (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Memorial to the Lexington Minute Men (about 300 feet away); Lexington Green (about 400 feet away); This Flag Pole (about 400 feet away); Battle of Lexington Monument (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Site of the Old Belfry (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. Teacher education began in Lexington Normal School. Wicked Local website entry:
July 3, 1839, marks the first day the Lexington Normal School opened in what was formally the Lexington Academy building, and pupils arrived to meet Principal Cyrus Pierce. The first class, comprised of three young women, would be at the forefront of learning how to formally educate children in the classroom.(Submitted on May 16, 2022, by Amy Dettmer of Watertown, Massachusetts.)
2. The First Normal School Opens in the United States
Photographed by Amy Dettmer, May 16, 2022
2. Lexington Masonic Meeting House
Formerly housed the Lexington Normal School
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2022, by Amy Dettmer of Watertown, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 1,463 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2022, by Amy Dettmer of Watertown, Massachusetts. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
