Tallahassee in Leon County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mina Jo Powell Alumni Green
George Matthews Edgar
— Florida State University Legacy Walk —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2023
1. Mina Jo Powell Alumni Green Marker
A campus gathering place for more than a century and site for commencement for nearly five decades, this green was dedicated in 1990 to Mina Jo Powell (B.S., 1950, M.S., 1963). Powell, a member of the final class to graduate on the site, was a lifelong contributor to the university and a relentless advocate for green, open spaces on campus. The green offers a restful place to enjoy sunny hours of learning and friendship.
A statue of George Matthews Edgar stands nearby. A Confederate colonel who had been a professor of natural science here before the Civil War, Edgar was the first to hold the title of president of the Seminary West of the Suwannee. Edgar’s tenure as president from 1887-92 marked the beginning of this institution’s strong liberal-arts tradition. In 1891, the school awarded its first bachelor of arts degrees to seven students.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1990.
Location. 30° 26.478′ N, 84° 17.508′ W. Marker is in Tallahassee, Florida, in Leon County. Marker can be reached from University Way just east of Convocation Way when traveling east. Marker and statue are located near the southeast corner
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Florida State University Campus (within shouting distance of this marker); John Thrasher (within shouting distance of this marker); The Westcott Fountain and Plaza (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Kent "T.K." Wetherell (about 300 feet away); Antonio Proctor, George Proctor, John Proctor (approx. 0.3 miles away); Honoring Student Excellence (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dr. J. Stanley Marshall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Major General David Lang (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tallahassee.
Also see . . .
1. Mina Jo Powell Alumni Green. Excerpt:
Named in honor of Mina Jo Powell, who was a lifelong contributor to FSU and passionate advocate of natural, open spaces on campus. The year she graduated, 1950, was a turning point, marking the first class of men to graduate from Florida State University and the end of a nearly 50-year tradition of holding commencement ceremonies on this very lawn.(Submitted on August 16, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Statue of President George Matthews Edgar. Excerpt:
Edgar(Submitted on August 16, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)was the first president of the Seminary West of the Suwannee River, an early predecessor of Florida State University. He served as president from 1887 – 1892 and first called the West Florida Seminary “Florida State University” during his Commencement address in June 1891.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 20232. Mina Jo Powell Alumni Green Marker(looking south • marker is atop brick pedestal on the left • George Matthews Edgar statue is on the right)
3. George Mathews Edgar. Excerpt:
George Mathews Edgar was the President of the Seminary West of the Suwannee River, in Tallahassee, Florida, an institution which eventually became Florida State University. He was also president of the Arkansas Industrial University (now the University of Arkansas) from 1884 to 1887. He later taught at the University of Alabama and Occidental College in California.(Submitted on August 16, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2023
3. Mina Jo Powell Alumni Green Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2023
4. George Matthews Edgar Statue
President 1887-1892
First President of the Seminary West of the Suwannee River
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2023
5. George Matthews Edgar Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 16, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
