Women’s History
Did you know that before 1887 women weren't permitted to attend Miami University?
Originally started in 1853 as the Western Female Seminary, the Western College for Women had its birthplace here in Oxford, Ohio. It was the first college in the country to have an artist-in-residence and helped host civil rights training for Freedom Summer 1964. The college eventually joined with Miami University in 1974, but some of the original buildings still stand in Oxford today.
Western College for Women Historic District Tour
Start the tour here: Peabody Hall - 701 Western College Dr.
The Western College for Women Historic District tour is entirely on Miami University’s campus and covers historical areas that were chartered in 1853 as the Western Female Seminary. This area is beautiful and one of Oxford residents' favorites! The tour includes 24 sites with descriptions of each site and biographies of the historical figures associated with many of the sites.
Included in this tour is the historically-significant Freedom Summer Memorial, just outside Peabody Hall. At this site, roughly 800 volunteers trained for a journey that would take them to Mississippi to register more black voters and establish freedom schools. This is a historically significant site you won't want to miss!
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.