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Jefferson College (Mississippi)
Encyclopedia
Jefferson College was an all-male military college in Washington, Mississippi
. It was the first educational institution of higher learning in Mississippi
, being chartered in 1802. Its sister school was the nearby Elizabeth Female Academy
. Jefferson College was the second oldest military school in the nation after the United States Military Academy
at West Point, New York
, also chartered earlier in 1802. Although originally conceived as a college, for most of its history it was actually a college-preparatory school known as Jefferson Military College. Due to falling enrollment and financial difficulties associated with negative public attitudes towards the Vietnam War, the last classes were held in 1964. The historic campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places
on August 25, 1970, and designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1985.
Historic Jefferson College was restored by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
(MDAH) in phases completed in 1977 and 1984. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
. It is currently owned and operated by MDAH as a State Historic Site.
Several buildings are open to visitors, including the West Wing, the kitchen buildings, and Prospere Hall. The T.J. Foster Nature Trail, winds though the woods, and passes Ellicott Springs, the place of encampment of Andrew Ellicott
who, in 1797, surveyed the 31st parallel to determine the dividing line between the territories of the United States and Spain
. The current MDAH property was also the site of the Mississippi Statehood Convention in 1817. The first Capitol of Mississippi was located adjacent to the property, however, the building burned down in 1994. There is currently no historic marker designating the building's former location.
Washington, Mississippi
Washington is a small unincorporated town in Adams County, Mississippi, United States, close to Natchez.-History:The town of Washington's namesake is George Washington...
. It was the first educational institution of higher learning in Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
, being chartered in 1802. Its sister school was the nearby Elizabeth Female Academy
Elizabeth Female Academy
The Elizabeth Female Academy, founded in 1818 in Washington, Mississippi, was the first female educational institution in Mississippi. It was named after Mrs. Elizabeth Roach , who donated the land on which the school was located....
. Jefferson College was the second oldest military school in the nation after the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
at West Point, New York
West Point, New York
West Point is a federal military reservation established by President of the United States Thomas Jefferson in 1802. It is a census-designated place located in Town of Highlands in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 7,138 at the 2000 census...
, also chartered earlier in 1802. Although originally conceived as a college, for most of its history it was actually a college-preparatory school known as Jefferson Military College. Due to falling enrollment and financial difficulties associated with negative public attitudes towards the Vietnam War, the last classes were held in 1964. The historic campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
on August 25, 1970, and designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1985.
Jefferson College Today
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History is a state agency of Mississippi. The agency has its headquarters in the William F. Winter Archives and History Building in Jackson. The department, founded in 1902, functions as the state's historical agency.-External links:* *...
(MDAH) in phases completed in 1977 and 1984. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. It is currently owned and operated by MDAH as a State Historic Site.
Several buildings are open to visitors, including the West Wing, the kitchen buildings, and Prospere Hall. The T.J. Foster Nature Trail, winds though the woods, and passes Ellicott Springs, the place of encampment of Andrew Ellicott
Andrew Ellicott
Andrew Ellicott was a U.S. surveyor who helped map many of the territories west of the Appalachians, surveyed the boundaries of the District of Columbia, continued and completed Pierre Charles L'Enfant's work on the plan for Washington, D.C., and served as a teacher in survey methods for...
who, in 1797, surveyed the 31st parallel to determine the dividing line between the territories of the United States and Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. The current MDAH property was also the site of the Mississippi Statehood Convention in 1817. The first Capitol of Mississippi was located adjacent to the property, however, the building burned down in 1994. There is currently no historic marker designating the building's former location.
Notable alumni
- Jefferson DavisJefferson DavisJefferson Finis Davis , also known as Jeff Davis, was an American statesman and leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, serving as President for its entire history. He was born in Kentucky to Samuel and Jane Davis...
, president, Confederate States of America - Pete HeinePete HeineNorman E. Heine, known as Pete Heine , is a former Democratic mayor of the East Baton Rouge Parish city of Baker, located east of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, having served from 1964–1976 and again from 1981-1992...
, LouisianaLouisianaLouisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
politicianPoliticianA politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making... - Prentiss IngrahamPrentiss IngrahamColonel Prentiss Ingraham was a Colonel in the Confederate Army, a professional military officer throughout the 1860s and a fiction writer.-Biography:...
, Confederate military officer and writer