Near Washington in Adams County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Elizabeth Female Academy

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 11, 2024

1. Elizabeth Female Academy Marker

Inscription. The Natchez Trace was still active and Mississippi had just become a state when the Elizabeth Female Academy opened its doors in November of 1818. Much can be learned about the culture of early Mississippi here in the community of Washington. As the young state’s first capital it boasted churches, advanced learning societies, and two institutions of higher education, Jefferson College (1811) and the Elizabeth Female Academy. Progressive thinking for the day, it was the first institution of higher learning for women chartered by the state of Mississippi. After the capital and population shifted to Jackson, the Academy struggled and finally closed in 1845. Follow the path to your right to see what is left of the Academy and learn more about the people who once made Washington the cultural center of Mississippi.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Natchez Trace series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1818.

Location. 31° 34.453′ N, 91° 17.595′ W. Marker is near Washington, Mississippi, in Adams County. It can be reached from Natchez Trace Parkway (at milepost 5.1),

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3.3 miles south of U.S. 61. Marker is located at the Elizabeth Female Academy turnout on the parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington MS 39190, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Mississippi and in Natchez Trace Corridor.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Great River Road Region.

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 New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

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: Site of Elizabeth Female College (a few steps from this marker); Clear Creek Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Assembly Hall (approx. half a mile away); Prince Ibrahima (approx. half a mile away); Dr. John W. Monette (approx. 0.6 miles away); The President's House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Washington (approx. 0.6 miles away); Andrew Jackson at Washington (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Elizabeth Female Academy (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Nation's First College for Women. From the Explore Southern History website. (Submitted on August 15, 2015.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 11, 2024

2. Elizabeth Female Academy Marker

Ruins of Elizabeth Female Academy image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 4, 2015

3. Ruins of Elizabeth Female Academy

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 889 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on August 15, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.