University of Washington in Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Honoring the 11 “Mercer Girls”
Courtesy of Mercer Girls Chapter NSDAR
1. Honoring the 11 “Mercer Girls” Marker
Erected 2020 by Mercer Girls Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1864.
Location. 47° 39.341′ N, 122° 18.411′ W. Marker is in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It is in University of Washington. It can be reached from King Lane Northeast south of Northeast Skagit Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Puget Sound Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Scion of the Washington Elm (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Medal of Honor Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Washington (approx. 0.2 miles away); Naval Training Station Seattle (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old Shell House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Anhalt Hall (approx. 0.7 miles away); Seattle Yacht Club - Main Station
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Statue of Washington (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Honoring the 11 “Mercer Girls”. The Mercer Girls DAR Chapter was named to honor the expedition. The Mercer Girls Chapter, Seattle, Washington, organized in 2004, as a working women’s chapter. Members include teachers, lawyers, medical personnel, computer programmers, C.P.A.s, and many other vocations.
The chapter name was chosen to honor the eleven educated women, aged 15 to 35 years, who, in March of 1864, during the Civil War, left the comfort of their homes and family in New England to come to Washington Territory. They were recruited as teachers for various schools throughout the territory. Most secured teaching positions, most married in Washington Territory, and had families. Two died young. One never married and devoted her life to education and fought for the right for women to vote. Many were involved with other businesses, and two became county superintendents of schools.
Additional keywords.
Courtesy of Mercer Girls Chapter NSDAR, September 13, 2022
2. Honoring the 11 “Mercer Girls” Marker
Aurelia “Lillie” C. Coffin Hinkley
Catherine “Kate” C. Stevens Smith
Catherine “Kate” Adams Stickney Graham
Annie May Adams Head
Ann Maria Murphy
Courtesy of Mercer Girls Chapter NSDAR, September 13, 2022
3. Honoring the 11 “Mercer Girls” Marker
Josephine “Josie” Pearson,
Georgianna “Georgie” Pearson Terry,
Sarah Cheney Willoughby,
Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ordway,
Sarah Jane Gallagher Russell,
Antoinette Josephine Baker Huntington.
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling
4. Honoring the 11 “Mercer Girls” Marker bench.
Courtesy of Mercer Girls Chapter NSDAR
5. Mercer Girls chapter members celebrating the new bench with historic plaques.
Courtesy of Mercer Girls Chapter NSDAR
6. Dedication celebration
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2025, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 111 times this year. Last updated on December 3, 2025, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 1, 2025, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
