North Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Saint Cecilia Academy

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

1. Saint Cecilia Academy Marker

Inscription. The name Saint Cecilia, patroness of music was chosen for a grammar and high school for girls, opened in October 1860 by four Sisters who had moved to this site from Saint Mary's Convent, Third Order of Saint Dominic, Somerset, Ohio on August 17, 1860. The central building was completed in 1862, the west wing in 1880, and the east wing in 1913.

Erected 1971 by The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. (Marker Number 47.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee, The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1860.

Location. 36° 11.246′ N, 86° 48.004′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in North Nashville. Marker is at the intersection of Dominican Drive and Athens Way, on the right when traveling east on Dominican Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buena Vista Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); North Nashville High School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jones School / School Desegregation in Nashville “Nashville Plan” Schools

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Samuel Watkins (approx. half a mile away); Fehr School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Zephaniah Alexander Looby (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Temple Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Nashville Race Course (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

More about this marker. Saint Cecilia Academy moved from its orginal location here at this marker to a new facility at 4210 Harding Road in 1957. The original property is maintained as a motherhouse and noviate (the period of preparation before formal admission to religious life).

"With the city's growth and general movement westward, in 1923 the Congregation decided to purchase the ninety–two acre Joseph Warner Estate in West Nashville. Thirty–three years later, on the feast of St. Cecilia, November 22, 1956, ground was broken on the Overbrook property for the new St. Cecilia Academy. A year later, the statue of St. Cecilia was set in place and the new building on Harding Road was dedicated by Bishop Adrian."
- Quote from the The

Saint Cecilia Academy Marker reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

2. Saint Cecilia Academy Marker reverse

History of St. Cecilia Academy at the link provided.

Saint Cecilia Academy - Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

3. Saint Cecilia Academy - Entrance

Saint Cecilia Academy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 4, 2020

4. Saint Cecilia Academy

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,019 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 4. submitted on April 4, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.