Historic Catholic women's college (1809–1973) founded by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Saint Joseph College traces its origins to June 1809, when Elizabeth Ann Seton (later canonized as America's first native-born saint) arrived in Emmitsburg and established Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School. This pioneering institution was the first free parochial school for girls in the United States and laid the foundation for the Catholic parochial school system. Mother Seton wrote classroom textbooks, trained Catholic sisters as teachers, and accepted all students regardless of ability to pay, embodying a commitment to accessible Catholic education.
The institution evolved through several phases: Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School (1809–1890), Saint Joseph College High School (1890–1946), Saint Joseph's High School (1946–1982), and finally Saint Joseph College (1902–1973), a four-year liberal arts college exclusively for women. The college maintained its Catholic identity and educational mission throughout its history.
Saint Joseph College closed in 1973 due to declining enrollment and rising operating costs. Students and faculty were merged with Mount Saint Mary's University, located two miles south in Emmitsburg. The U.S. Government purchased the 107-acre campus in 1979 for use as the National Fire Academy, which continues to operate there today alongside FEMA's National Emergency Training Center and Emergency Management Institute. The Daughters of Charity continue Saint Seton's educational legacy globally.