Chappell Hill Female College facts for kids

Chappell Hill Female College was a private school for girls in Chappell Hill, Texas. This was a small, country town. The college started in 1850. It was first part of a school for both boys and girls. This school was called the Chappell Hill Male and Female Institute.

The Texas government officially recognized it in 1852. At first, it was a school for all faiths. In 1854, it became connected with the Methodist Church. The boys' part of the school later became Soule University in 1856. The girls' school then became Chappell Hill Female College. The college closed in 1912. Its building was used as a public school for a while. Today, the college's bell is kept in a new school building. The college site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it is an important historical place.

History of the College

Starting the School

The college began in 1850. It was first known as Chappell Hill Institute. It started as a boarding school. This meant students lived there. There were 100 students and five teachers. Jacob and Mary Haller gave the land for the school.

In 1852, the Texas government officially approved the school. It was called the Chappell Hill Male and Female Institute. A second building was added that year. This helped keep the boys and girls separate. Later in 1852, the school became Chappell Hill College. P. S. Ruter became the president. His sister, Charlotte, led the music lessons. Elizabeth Knox was in charge of the girls' part of the school.

Changes and Challenges

In 1854, the school had 100 students. The Methodist Church took over the college. They wanted it to replace another school. The boys' part of the school became Soule University. On August 29, 1856, the girls' part became Chappell Hill Female College.

The college faced many problems. Fires destroyed the building at least once. The American Civil War also caused difficulties. There were also outbreaks of yellow fever. This was a serious illness. Despite these challenges, the college paid off its debts by 1873.

Later Years and Closure

In the 1880s, the college grew. A new place for students to live was built. A music hall was also added. The college became very important to the local culture. This was especially true after Soule University closed in 1887. The college had a monthly magazine called Philomathean. This magazine helped raise money. The money was for a home for soldiers from the Civil War.

By 1885, 112 students were enrolled. But over the next ten years, enrollment dropped by half. To earn money, the college let in 70 public school students. Fifty of these students were boys. The Methodist Church helped support the college. They also gave the college the old Soule University property. This helped reduce the college's debt.

However, public schools in Texas were getting better. Also, schools just for women were becoming less popular. Yellow fever continued to be a problem in the area. The college changed its classes in 1900. This was to match the Methodist Church's education rules. In 1912, a study found that the college mainly taught high school level classes. The college closed in 1912. At that time, it had 112 students. The building was used as a public school until 1926. A new school building was built then. This new building now holds a museum. The college's original bell is kept there.

Notable People

• Lizzie Johnson Williams, a famous cattlewoman, graduated in 1859.