Last updated: April 10, 2021
Place
Elizabeth Female Academy, Milepost 5.1
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez Trace Parkway, Milepost 5.1
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot
From 1818-1845, Elizabeth Female Academy stood on the southern end of the Old Trace. It was the first female institution of higher learning charted by the state of Mississippi. It was one of the first institutions to offer college degrees to women in Mississippi and one of the first female colleges in the country. The Academy was named after Mrs. Elizabeth Roach Greenfield, who donated the land where the school stood. Study courses included natural philosophy, chemistry, Latin, botany, and classical subjects. For a short time in 1822, John James Audubon taught drawing there.
In 1825, the Academy experienced great success under the leadership of Caroline Thayer. Thayer had published articles on educational topics and took a great interest in educational theories and practices. Thayer’s methods attracted new students and saw an expansion of the buildings in the 1820s. Many sing her praises and al that she accomplished while charge of the school.
However, in 1845, it closed its doors. This was due to several reasons, but mostly due to the state capital changing from Natchez to Jackson. In the late 1870s, a fire reduced the site to ruins.
In 1825, the Academy experienced great success under the leadership of Caroline Thayer. Thayer had published articles on educational topics and took a great interest in educational theories and practices. Thayer’s methods attracted new students and saw an expansion of the buildings in the 1820s. Many sing her praises and al that she accomplished while charge of the school.
However, in 1845, it closed its doors. This was due to several reasons, but mostly due to the state capital changing from Natchez to Jackson. In the late 1870s, a fire reduced the site to ruins.