Due West Female College

Due West, South Carolina, United States · Est. 1859 · Private (non-profit)

About

Official

A private Presbyterian women's college in South Carolina that educated Southern women from 1859 until merging with Erskine College in 1927.

  • Founded in 1859 in Due West, South Carolina
  • Private Presbyterian women's college
  • Original mission to educate teachers for Greater Abbeville County
  • Became known as America's most 'strait-laced' place by 1906
  • Merged with Erskine College in 1927; officially closed in 1928
  • Helped Erskine achieve first Southern Association accreditation

History & Mission

Due West Female College was established in 1859 by lay leaders and members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Initially without official denominational affiliation, the college was purchased by the ARP Church in 1904. The institution's original purpose was to educate women to become teachers serving the Greater Abbeville County area, though it eventually attracted students from throughout the Southern United States, including Texas. By 1906, The New York Times noted the college and its town had become known as the most 'strait-laced' place in America.

Decline & Merger

Due West experienced enrollment decline after Erskine College became fully coeducational in 1899. In 1925, the two colleges agreed to merge, a union that helped Erskine receive its first accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges. The institutions officially merged in 1927, with Due West Female College closing in 1928.

Notable Alumni & Staff

Willie Kirkpatrick Lindsay served as Dean of Women from 1904 to 1914. Katherine Neel Dale, a notable alumna, became a missionary.

Founded
1859
Type
Private (non-profit)
Courses
1
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationAssociate Reformed Presbyterian Church (official affiliation from 1904)
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
1
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources