Hillsborough in Orange County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Welcome to The Burwell School

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

1. Welcome to The Burwell School Marker

Inscription. The Burwell School was one of the earliest schools in North Carolina, which provided a scholarly education for young women. The school was established by Margaret Anna Burwell and Reverend Robert Burwell in 1837 and operated until 1857. Young women were educated using a rigorous academic curriculum. Some students came from far away places and boarded at the school, while others were day students from Hillsborough.

This house was also home to Elizabeth Hobbes Keckly, an enslaved teenager in the Burwell household who became First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln's dressmaker and confidante. She wrote a memoir chronicling her friendship with Mrs. Lincoln. Today the Burwell School Historic Site is operated as a museum that informs the public about the education of young women and life in the 19th century.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 36° 4.805′ N, 79° 6.042′ W. Marker is in Hillsborough, North Carolina, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from West Union Street west of North Churton Street (North Carolina Highway 86), on the left when traveling west

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. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 N Churton St, Hillsborough NC 27278, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Burwell School Historic Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elizabeth Keckly (about 300 feet away); Constitutional Convention, 1788 (about 700 feet away); William Hooper Esquire (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Hooper (approx. 0.2 miles away); William A. Graham (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nash-Hooper House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of First North Carolina Convention 1788 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hillsborough.

Also see . . .
1. Our History. The Burwell School Historic Site preserves the setting for one of the state’s earliest schools for girls, The Burwell Academy for Young Ladies. Today, the site's two-acre property encompasses the Burwell residence (ca. 1821, 1848), the original brick classroom building of Robert and Margaret Anna Burwell’s school (ca.1837- 1857), and a rare brick "necessary house" (ca. 1837). (Burwell School Historic Site) (Submitted on September 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. The Burwell School (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination and photographs submitted

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

2. Welcome to The Burwell School Marker

Marker is in front of the kitchen/music room, reputedly constructed by John Berry in 1848.

for the site, which was listed in 1970. (National Archives) (Submitted on September 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

The Burwell School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

3. The Burwell School

Classes were held in this house, portions of which date to 1821.

The Burwell School Privy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

4. The Burwell School Privy

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.