Historical Marker

Site of Andrew Female College

Historical marker location:
828 Eighth Street, Huntsville, Texas
( 828 Eighth Street)
Marker installed: 1999
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Site of Andrew Female College

Andrew Female College was founded in 1852 and chartered in early 1853. It was named for Bishop James Osgood Andrew and sponsored by the Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Couth, although its charter allowed no religious tests for faculty or students. The institution's first five-month session began in may 1853 in an old Huntsville College building known as "The Brick Academy." At a time when there were few educational opportunities for women, enrollment was high and classes soon outgrew the academy. Citizens of Huntsville supported education for women by contributing funds for a larger, 2-story building completed in 1855. Eighty students, primarily from Walker and surrounding counties, were enrolled in the Andrew Female College in the 1856-1857 school year. Course work included requirements for a classical education as well as moral instruction and classes in music, drawing, painting and embroidery.

The college operated without interruption through the Civil War. The 1867 epidemic of yellow fever claimed the lives of the college president, several members of the faculty and a number of

students. The fall term was delayed until the first frost, which killed the mosquitoes carrying the disease.

Andrew Female College suffered from competition as other institutions such as the Sam Houston Normal Institute opened their doors to women. Enrollment declined steadily after 1872; the school was closed in 1880. The college property was conveyed to the city of Huntsville and reopened later that year as the community's first public school. The structure eventually was relocated and became a public school for African American children.

(1999)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

women women's history topics Methodist (Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist) denomination education
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Walker County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who lived off the land and hunted in the dense forests. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife.

In 1836, Walker County was officially established and named after Samuel Hamilton Walker, a Texas Ranger captain who died in the Mexican-American War. The county became a hub for trade and commerce, with the town of Huntsville serving as the county seat. The early residents engaged in farming, ranching, and timber industries, which became the backbone of the local economy.

During the Civil War, Walker County played a significant role as a major supplier of food and provisions to the Confederate army. However, the county also faced its share of hardships, including raids by Union troops and the devastation caused by the war. After the war, Walker County experienced a period of reconstruction and gradual recovery.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Walker County saw significant progress and development. The expansion of railroads brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, and the discovery of oil in the early 1900s further boosted the local economy. In recent decades, Walker County has continued to grow and evolve, embracing modern industries while preserving its unique heritage and natural beauty. Today, the county is known for its thriving educational institutions, correctional facilities, and vibrant community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Walker County, Texas.

  • 1836: Walker County is established
  • 1846: Huntsville becomes the county seat
  • 1861: Walker County residents vote for secession from the Union
  • 1870: The Houston and Great Northern Railroad reaches Huntsville
  • 1900: The town of New Waverly is incorporated
  • 1936: Sam Houston State Teachers College is established
  • 1965: The Texas Department of Corrections is established in Huntsville
  • 1970: San Jacinto Mall opens in Baytown
  • 1999: The City of Huntsville celebrates its 150th anniversary
  • 2007: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice moves its headquarters to Huntsville