Louisa Parke Costin facts for kids

Louisa Parke Costin (1804–1831) was an important teacher in early Washington, D.C. In 1823, she started a school for African American children. This school, located on Capitol Hill, is known as the first public school for black children in the city.

Louisa's family had connections to Martha Washington. Her paternal grandfather, John Dandridge, was also Martha Washington's father. Louisa's mother, Delphy, was a spinner at Mount Vernon. After Martha Washington passed away, Delphy and her daughters, Louisa and Ann, gained their freedom in 1807. This was arranged by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Elizabeth Parke Custis Law, and her husband, Thomas Law.

Early Life and Family

Louisa Parke Costin was born in 1804 in Washington, D.C. Her parents were William Costin and Philadelphia (Delphy) Judge. Both of her parents were born in 1780 at Mount Vernon, which was George and Martha Washington's home.

Louisa's father, William Costin, worked as a messenger for the Bank of Washington. His mother, Ann Dandridge, had both Cherokee and African American heritage. Ann's father was John Dandridge, who was also the father of Martha Washington.

Louisa's mother, Delphy, worked as a spinner at Mount Vernon. Delphy was the younger sister of Oney Judge, who was Martha Washington's personal maid. William and Delphy Costin married in 1800. They moved to Washington, D.C., shortly after Martha Washington's death.

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

In 1807, Louisa, her mother Delphy, and her sister Ann gained their freedom. This was a significant event for their family. Any children born to William and Delphy after this time were born free.

Louisa had six siblings. All of them received an education alongside white children on Capitol Hill. Her two younger sisters, Martha and Frances, even continued their studies in Baltimore at a special convent school. The Costin family lived in a house on A Street in Capitol Hill. William Costin built this house in 1812. The family also welcomed and cared for four orphaned children.

Pioneering Education

Even though Washington, D.C., was a Southern city, schools were created to educate both enslaved and free African American children. The very first school for African American children in the city was called The Bell School. It was started by three formerly enslaved men: Moses Liverpool, George Bell, and Nicholas Franklin. These men could not read or write themselves, so they hired a teacher for their school.

Many people helped create schools for African Americans during this time. These pioneers included Maria Becraft, John F. Cook, Laura Parke Costin, and Mary Wormley. Their efforts were very important.

Professor Barnard, a respected scholar, wrote about the history of schools for African Americans. He recognized the hard work of people like Louisa Costin. He stated that the efforts of African American people in Washington, D.C., to get an education were a very important part of school history. He admired their courage and determination, even when they faced challenges and opposition.

Louisa Costin started her own school for African American children in 1823. She ran the school from her father's house on Capitol Hill. She continued to teach there until her death in 1831. Her mother also passed away that same year.

After Louisa's death, her sister Martha reopened the school in 1832. Martha had just finished her education at the convent school in Baltimore. She continued to run the school until 1839. Throughout its time, Louisa's school was always full of students. It played a vital role in educating young African Americans in Washington, D.C.

See also

• Alethia Tanner