Columbia, TN (March 14, 2025) – The City of Columbia unveiled a historical marker at the site of the former Columbia Female Institute, an institution that played a significant role in the history of education for women in the region. This marker is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Institute and the contributions it made to the academic advancement of young women during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Columbia Female Institute was established in 1834 by a group of prominent Episcopalian families from St. Peter’s Church. At the time of its founding, the school set itself apart from other educational institutions for women by offering a curriculum that included subjects such as geology, chemistry, and physics—fields traditionally reserved for male students.
The Institute’s goal was to provide women with a comprehensive education, beyond the typical domestic training offered at most girls’ schools of the era. In his remarks at the unveiling, Mayor Chaz Molder emphasized the historical importance of the Columbia Female Institute, “This marker acknowledges an institution that broke from the traditional educational models of its time. The Columbia Female Institute provided an advanced education for women and challenged prevailing norms. It is an important
chapter in the history of our community and serves as a testament to the foresight of its founders.”
The Columbia Female Institute operated for nearly 100 years before its closure during the Great Depression in 1932. Afterward, the building was repurposed for various uses, including housing WPA workers, serving as classrooms for a local business college, and even as a nursery school. The structure was ultimately destroyed by fire on March 13, 1959.
City Manager Tony Massey also commented on the significance of the marker, “While the physical structure of the Columbia Female Institute no longer exists, its impact on the educational landscape remains evident. This marker serves to preserve the history of an institution that, for nearly a century, provided young women with the opportunity to receive an advanced education at a time when such opportunities were limited. It was truly a Columbia treasure.”
The unveiling of the historical marker at the site of the Columbia Female Institute ensures that the contributions of this institution to the education of women will not be forgotten. It is a recognition of both the institution’s educational legacy and the broader impact of progressive educational practices for women in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
