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Historical Snapshots

The following historical snapshots represent research and collaboration with the students of the UMW Historic Preservation Museum Lab, in close partnership with the Division of Teaching and Learning Technologies and the Office of University Relations and Communications. Additional references include the History of Mary Washington College 1908-1972 written by Edward Alvey, Jr., and A Walking Tour researched by Scott Harris '83.

The Beginning

The State Normal and Industrial School for Women was founded in Fredericksburg, Virginia, as a result of legislation by the General Assembly of Virginia signed into law March 14, 1908. State delegate and Fredericksburg native C. O'Conor Goolrick has been called the "father" of the school for his unrelenting efforts in bringing higher education to the area.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the first campus building was held December 14, 1909. Fredericksburg Mayor H. Lewis Wallace, President-elect E. H. Russell, Dr. J. A. C. Chandler, C. O'Conor Goolrick, and R. C. L. Moncure participated. The shovel used in this first groundbreaking is now housed in the Simpson Library.

In August and September of 1911, an advertisement in the Daily Star in Fredericksburg announced the opening of the new college.

Classes officially began at the school on "Normal Hill" Tuesday, September 25, 1911, with 110 students.

State Normal and Industrial School for Women seal

 

The ceremonial shovel used in this original groundbreaking was later presented to former-President Russell and President Combs at a Founder's Day ceremony in 1949.

 

State Normal School
Session Opens
September 26, 1911
Free to Day Students Who Expect to Teach
Tuition for Others $30
For full information as to Scholarships,
Course of Study, Entrance Requirements, Etc.,
see President E.H. Russell at his office in
the Law Building.
The initial 1911 Daily Star newspaper advertisement.