Columbus in Lowndes County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
MUW Founders
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 21, 2026
1. MUW Founders Marker
Sallie Eola Reneau (1836-1878). Olivia Hastings (1842-1896), and Annie Coleman Peyton (1852-1898) are considered the founding mothers of women's college education in Mississippi. Believing the state would benefit from the academic and leadership development of women, they successfully campaigned to establish the first state-supported women's college in the United States. Originally known as the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College, the college changed its name to Mississippi University for Women in 1974.
Erected 2023 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.
Location. 33° 29.71′ N, 88° 25.112′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Mississippi, in Lowndes County. It is on College Street west of 13th Street South, on the left when traveling west. Long the fence line in front of Callaway Hall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Flora MS 39071, United
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East Mississippi, in the Black Prairie, and in the Golden Triangle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: MUW Desegregation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mississippi State College for Women (about 600 feet away); Kenneth Gatchell House (about 600 feet away); Demonstration School (approx. ¼ mile away); Henry Edwin Baker Jr. (approx. ¼ mile away); Church of the Annunciation (approx. 0.3 miles away); Snowdoun (approx. 0.3 miles away); Missionary Union Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Also see . . . The History of Mississippi University for Women.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 21, 2026
2. MUW Founders Marker in front of Callaway Hall.
Located at the Mississippi University for Women.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 23, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
