In 1854, Dr. H.C. Thweatt and William E. Doty visited DeSoto Parish and saw the need for an institution of higher learning.  Founded by the Methodist Church in 1855, Mansfield Female College is the oldest female college west of the Mississippi River.  It operated for 80 years before merging with Centenary College in Shreveport in 1930 – offering young women an extraordinary opportunity to gain a higher education in the arts, sciences and teaching as a profession. The college opened with 72 students. The college closed in 1930 after serving as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Battle of Mansfield.

The Riemer Calhoun Family heirs donated the building and grounds to the State of Louisiana in 2002 for use as a museum. Through much work of the Friends of the Mansfield Female College Museum and Former State Representative Beverly Bruce, the historic facility was added to the Secretary of State's Museums Program during the 2003 legislative session.

Today, the Mansfield Female College Museum — housed in one of the original buildings when the college for females was opened in 1855 — is one of 17 museums operated by the state.  

If you visit:

Mansfield Female College Museum is located at 101 Monroe St., in Mansfield.  Admission is free. The museum is handicap-cap accessible. Opened Wednesday-Friday, and closed on all government holidays. For more information, or to make reservations for a tour, call 318-871-9978 or Fax: 318-871-9978