Mansfield Female College: Empowering Education

Exploring Women’s History at Mansfield Female College in Louisiana

In honor of Women’s History Month, we invite you to discover one of the earliest women’s colleges situated west of the Mississippi River.

Nestled in Desoto Parish, Louisiana, a historic center preserves artifacts from a pivotal era of progress for women. Established in 1855 by the Methodist church, Mansfield Female College was committed to providing education to young women.

According to Van Reech, the museum manager at Mansfield Female College, the institution catered to the daughters of planters or wealthy merchants, offering a comprehensive education. The curriculum encompassed various fields, including a two-year teaching program and a four-year Fine Arts degree. Remarkably, the college even taught advanced mathematics like Calculus, Algebra, and Geometry, challenging prevailing notions about women’s intellectual capabilities.

During the 1920s, the college grounds hosted plays and theater productions, showcasing the cultural activities and talents of its students. Today, the college premises serve as a museum, housing a collection of items generously donated by descendants of former students.

Van Reech oversees guided tours of the museum, leading visitors through former classrooms now repurposed to depict life at the college. Exhibits include dormitories furnished with period-appropriate décor, offering insights into the social dynamics and camaraderie among students.

The museum also features a genealogical library housing a vast array of works spanning several centuries, reflecting the rich history of Desoto Parish.

With a legacy spanning 169 years, Mansfield Female College has played a significant role in celebrating women’s contributions to education and society. Situated in Mansfield, a town renowned for its association with the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads during the Civil War, the college witnessed historic events firsthand.

Transformed into a triage hospital during the Civil War, the college provided crucial medical assistance to wounded soldiers from both Union and Confederate armies. The museum’s Civil War room displays artifacts from the era, shedding light on the challenges and hardships faced during that tumultuous period.

Following the closure of the campus in the 1930s, the buildings remained abandoned until the Calhoun family of Mansfield intervened, eventually donating them to the state for preservation as a museum in 2002.

Today, Mansfield Female College stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of women’s education and empowerment. By offering tours and hosting family reunions, the museum continues to honor its past while inspiring future generations.

_{Repurposed article originally published CenLANews.com}