Elizabeth Female Academy

The Elizabeth Female Academy is a ruined school building with brick walls positioned along the Natchez Trace Parkway, featuring architectural elements from the early 1800s. The structures reflect Mississippi's building practices during that period.

The school was founded in 1818 as Mississippi's first chartered female educational institution. It operated for 27 years before closing in 1845.

The school offered instruction in chemistry, biology, natural philosophy, botany, and Latin, reflecting educational standards for women of that era. This range of subjects was notable for female institutions at that time.

The ruins are located along the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 4.1 with a designated path for access. Interpretive signs at the site explain its history and significance.

The renowned naturalist and artist John James Audubon taught drawing classes here in May and June of 1822. His involvement brought the school recognition in artistic and scientific circles.

Location: Adams County

Inception: 1818

Floors above the ground: 2.5

GPS coordinates: 31.57470,-91.29390

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40