Historic Christian college for Black students, founded 1870 in New Orleans, relocated to Baker in 1923, closed 1960.
Leland University was founded in 1870 by Brooklyn philanthropist Holbrook Chamberlain to provide Christian education to Black students. The original campus on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans featured the monumental Second Empire University Hall. Following severe damage from the Hurricane of 1915, the board decided to relocate rather than repair, selling the appreciated real estate and purchasing land near Baker, Louisiana. The college reopened at its new Baker location in 1923 on 160 acres.
The college operated as a co-educational institution requiring one hour of daily industrial work from students. By 1882, enrollment was 100 students under faculty president Dr. Travers. The school grew to 1,000 students by 1904. Notable speakers included Julia Ward Howe, who delivered the commencement address in 1885. Despite its growth, the institution never achieved accreditation and struggled financially throughout its existence.
Leland College closed in 1960 due to financial difficulties. The Baker campus, comprising four contributing historic properties and one non-contributing building, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 10, 1982. By the early 21st century, only ruins of two dormitories remained visible; other structures including the frame classroom, president's house, and concrete classroom had disappeared.