Near Hopwood in Fayette County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Uniontown Soldiers' Orphan School
Photographed By Bradley Owen, July 25, 2023
1. Uniontown Soldiers' Orphan School Marker
This was the site of the Uniontown Soldiers' Orphan School from April 1875 to June 1908. The school was established in Uniontown on September 19, 1866, in the Madison College buildings and was moved to Jumonville nine years later.
Governor Andrew Curtin, in 1864, recommended to the legislature that orphan children of deceased soldiers and sailors be educated and cared for in suitable institutions, to be financed initially by a $50,000 gift from the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The proposed legislation was adopted. Starting in 1865 state funding was provided.
The Uniontown school was founded by Reverend Asa Waters, a Lutheran minister, who superintended the school from 1866 to 1890. His son, Revered John Waters succeeded him from 1890 to 1908. A total of 2,441 pupils attended the school.
In 1908, pupils who had not yet reached fifteen were transferred to the Chester Springs and Scotland, Pennsylvania Soldiers' Orphan Schools.
(Caption): View of the Orphan School ca. 1885, taken from the present site of Wesley Hall.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1875.
Location. 39° 53.146′ N, 79° 38.842′ W. Marker is near Hopwood, Pennsylvania, in Fayette County. Marker can
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ann Murphy Cottage (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fleming Lodge (about 300 feet away); The Orphans' Schoolhouse Captain Webb Hall (about 300 feet away); Soldiers' Orphan School (about 500 feet away); Harry Whyel (about 500 feet away); Rev. Asa Harris Waters (about 600 feet away); Dunbar's Camp (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jumonville (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hopwood.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, July 25, 2023
2. Uniontown Soldiers' Orphan School Marker
The Jumonville Main Campus is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 30, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
