1855

Milo P. Jewett, an educator from Marion, Alabama, purchased College Hill Seminary from Matthew Vassar and reopened the school for girls founded by Lydia Booth. In an unpublished manuscript, “Origin of Vassar College,” Jewett related how he suggested the idea of a college for women to the Founder:

“… If you will establish a real College for girls and endow it, you will build a monument for yourself more lasting than the Pyramids; you will perpetuate your name to the latest generations; it will be the pride and joy of Po‘keepsie, an honor to the state and a blessing to the world…and then and there Vassar College was born.”