Downtown Springfield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

First Classical Academy in Greene County

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 7, 2025

1. First Classical Academy in Greene County Marker

Inscription. Just east of this point in a black walnut grove was the site of the first classical academy in Greene County. Established in 1845, 15 years after the founding of Springfield, Prof. J.A. Stephens principal.

Erected 1921 by Southwest Missouri State Teachers College • The University Club. (Marker Number 8.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 37° 12.605′ N, 93° 17.297′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is in Downtown Springfield. It is at the intersection of North Benton Avenue and East Trafficway Street, on the right when traveling north on North Benton Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield MO 65806, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

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and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John T. Woodruff (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Store in Greene County (about 700 feet away); Shrine Mosque (about 700 feet away); The Colonial Hotel (about 700 feet away); Jewell Theater (about 700 feet away); Gillioz Theater (about 700 feet away); Netter-Ullman Building (about 800 feet away); St. Paul United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Regarding First Classical Academy in Greene County. There is no certain account of how Stephens Academy fared. At least it existed until Christmas Day, 1861, when its principal met a tragic death

Also see . . . First Classical Academy in the Southwest. . (Prepared by G. Bruce Lemmon, Jr.; via the Springfield-Greene County Library District) (Submitted on May 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 7, 2025

2. First Classical Academy in Greene County Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.