FIRST CLASSICAL ACADEMY IN THE SOUTHWEST

LOCATION: Northwest corner of what used to be the TraveLodge Motel at East Trafficway and Short Benton Avenue.

INSCRIPTION: "JUST EAST OF THIS POINT IN A BLACK WALNUT GROVE WAS THE SITE OF THE FIRST CLASSICAL ACADEMY IN GREENE COUNTY. ESTABLISHED IN 1845, 15 YEARS AFTER THE FOUNDING OF SPRINGFIELD. PROF. J. A. STEPHENS PRINCIPAL. MARKER ERECTED 1921 BY THE SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE."

The photo below is of the original structure.