First Cherokee Female Seminary Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Cherokee Female Seminary site
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| Location |  Park Hill, Oklahoma, United States |
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| Built | 1851 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Demolished | 1887 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001658 |
| Added to NRHP | 1973 |
The first Cherokee Female Seminary was a special boarding school for girls. It was opened by the Cherokee Nation in 1851. This important school was located in Park Hill, Oklahoma.
On Easter Sunday in 1887, a big fire sadly burned down the school building. But the head of the school, Florence Wilson, made sure that all the girls got out safely. Two years later, in 1889, a new school called the Cherokee Female Seminary was opened. This new building still stands today just north of Tahlequah.
Today, the Cherokee Heritage Center is located on the land where the first Cherokee Female Seminary once stood. The only parts of the original school that survived the 1887 fire were its beautiful columns. These columns are still there today and are surrounded by lovely roses.
Contents
What Was the First Cherokee Female Seminary?
The First Cherokee Female Seminary was a very important school for young women in the Cherokee Nation. It was one of the first schools of its kind built by a Native American tribe. The school aimed to give girls a strong education, similar to what was offered in schools in other parts of the United States at that time.
A Place for Learning
When the seminary opened in 1851, it was a big step forward for education in the Cherokee Nation. Girls who attended the school lived there, making it a "boarding school." They studied many subjects, including math, science, history, and literature. The goal was to help these young women become leaders and educated members of their communities.
The Fire of 1887
The original school building served the Cherokee Nation for many years. However, on Easter Sunday in 1887, a fire broke out. The building was completely destroyed. Luckily, thanks to the quick actions of the school's leader, Florence Wilson, all the students and staff were able to escape the burning building without harm.
What Remains Today?
Even though the first building was lost to the fire, its legacy continued. A new Cherokee Female Seminary was built and opened in 1889. This new school carried on the tradition of educating young Cherokee women.
Today, if you visit the site of the original seminary, you can see some of its history. The only parts of the first building that survived the fire were its grand columns. These columns are a reminder of the important school that once stood there. The land is now home to the Cherokee Heritage Center, which helps share the history and culture of the Cherokee people.
