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- The names of the incorporators and the Board of Guardians of these two schools are valuable to posterity. They were, General Nathaniel G. Smith, Colonel Maurice Smith, Judge Willis Lewis Somervell, Major George C. Eaton, J. J. Samuel, Esq., Colonel James W. Eaton, Mr. Wiliam J. Smith, Mr. Samuel W. Smith, Dr. William Bethel, Samuel H. Smith, Esq., Major Benjamin J. Borden, and Hector McNeill, Esq. From this number General Smith was chosen to serve as president of the board, a position he readily accepted. George D. Alexander was superintendent of the Military Institute and Major Borden, of Danville, Kentucky served as superintendent of the Female Collegiate Seminary. These men were truly suited to these positions and fulfilled their duties with admirable judgment and wisdom. Major Borden also served as head of the math and tactics departments in the Military Institute. Seven teachers were employed by the Seminary, which in 1852 was headed by the Reverend Benjamin Watson.
- A very rigid course of study was planned. For the cadets at the Military Institute it was ancient languages, surveying, engineering, math, military tactics, chemistry, and natural philosophy (natural science). Instruction was given in Latin, French, Spanish, and Italian languages. For the girls there was a curriculum of less intensified study, with concentration upon needlework, drawing, painting, belles letters, and a general liberal arts program. In music the young damsels had a choice of the piano, the harp, or the guitar. The young cadets were drilled quite often and were adequately instructed in the art of the military sciences.
- For their classes the students had a good school plant and pleasant surroundings. The school buildings were located
- in Tulip-proper, on the flat, rolling land there. The buildings, though not elaborate, were well built and the drill ground provided an excellent place for the public meetings and regular drill activities. The two schools were served by a wonderful library, full of choice items (3). It is intimated that a huge geological collection was placed at the disposal of the schools. In 1852 the General Assembly of Arkansas made a provision that the first geological survey of the state be taken.
- ____________________
- 3. True Democrat, December 16, 1856.
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