A short-lived private university (1873–1878) in Tennessee known for rigorous etiquette and English instruction.
Neophogen College was founded in 1873 by J.M. Walton as a private university in Cross Plains, Tennessee. The original wood-frame building, which cost $25,000 to construct, was destroyed by fire in 1874. A stock company subsequently rebuilt the institution in brick in Gallatin, where it remained until its closure at the end of 1878. The college lost favor with its patrons and was ultimately discontinued.
The college was nationally known for its distinctive focus on etiquette and English language instruction, which earned it both recognition and satirical commentary in prominent university periodicals including The Harvard Crimson, Yale Literary Magazine, and The Daily Princetonian. The curriculum included chairs in Latin, Greek, Commerce, Agriculture, Horticulture, Phrenology, Physiognomy, Hygiene, and Telegraphy. Neophogen was coeducational and demonstrated that co-education could succeed as an educational model.
In its first session, the college enrolled 250 students, approximately 150 of whom came from other counties and states. Annual tuition was $100. The institution operated for only five years before closing due to declining patron support.