Canonsburg in Washington County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Olome Institute

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 27, 2026

1. Olome Institute Marker

Inscription.
The Olome Institute, AKA Olome-Seminary, was an unincorporated girls' school under the tutelage of Mrs. Oliva J. French. Founded in 1844 in the local town hall, the school moved to E. Pike St. until it found its permanent home in 1847 on N. Central Ave. Enrollment was over 100, the course was 3 years and 1 of 6 students were from out of state. The course objective was "to fit young ladies for future usefulness-especially as teachers." The school became insolvent at the onset of the Civil War and disbanded in 1862.

Erected 2023 by Jefferson College Historical Society, the Canonsburg Heritage Society and in memory of Dr. James T. Herron, Sr. historian.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Jefferson College Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.

Location. 40° 15.558′ N, 80° 11.205′ W. Marker is in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, in Washington County. It is on North Central Avenue north of West Pike Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 North Central Avenue, Canonsburg PA 15317, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Emery's Tavern (within shouting distance of

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this marker); Blackhorse Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Watson's Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Briceland's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Morgan Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Veteran's Statue (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Veteran's Statue (about 400 feet away); Jefferson College (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canonsburg.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 27, 2026

2. Olome Institute Marker

View is looking north.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 35 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 4, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.