Macon in Bibb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Site: Wesleyan College
Worlds First College Chartered to Grant Degrees to Women
Photographed by David Seibert, March 31, 2012
1. Site: Wesleyan College Marker
The oldest sororities in the world were founded at Wesleyan: The Adelphean Society, now Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, 1851, and the Philomathean Society, now Phi Mu Fraternity, 1852. The worlds first alumnae association for a womens college was organized at Wesleyan in 1859.
Through early years of doubt, Wesleyan bore witness that women were capable of receiving higher education. The motto on its seal -- Scienta et Pietas -- represents ideals which have inspired her graduates to go forth to the far corners of the earth to teach, to lead, to serve.
In 1928, the college moved six miles northwest to the new Rivoli campus. The Wesleyan Conservatory and school of Fine Arts remained in the original buildings until 1953 when they were transferred to Rivoli. Old Wesleyan College and the adjoining Pierce Chapel burned February 24, 1963.
Erected 1986 by Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1848.
Location. 32° 50.434′ N, 83° 38.31′ W. Marker is in Macon, Georgia, in Bibb County. It is at the intersection of College Street and Georgia Avenue, on the left when traveling north on College Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 451 College Street, Macon GA 31213, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. 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, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, 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: Wesleyan College (a few steps from
Photographed by David Seibert, March 31, 2012
2. Site: Wesleyan College Marker
More about this marker. This marker replaced an earlier Georgia Historical Commission marker, titled "Old Wesleyan College -- 1836" which stood nearby. It was erected in the 1950s, and removed when the present post office was built (possibly the 1970s). It stands on the corner of the Post Office property.
Photographed by David Seibert, March 31, 2012
3. Site: Wesleyan College Marker
Looking north across Georgia Avenue; College Street is on the right.
Photographed by David Seibert, March 31, 2012
4. Site: Wesleyan College Marker
A plaque on the marker's post explains that the marker was sponsored by the Macon Town Committee of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,185 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 18, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
