Hopedale College led early coeducational teaching movement in eastern Ohio

Among its graduates was George Armstrong Custer, who taught in Athens Township before attending West Point

Published December 13, 2025 - 5:00 a.m.

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Hopedale College led early coeducational teaching movement in eastern Ohio

A Hopedale College postcard from the collection of the Harrison County Historical Society. Cyrus McNeely founded the McNeely Normal School in 1852, later authorized to grant degrees as Hopedale Normal College. The school was the first in eastern Ohio to admit both men and women and focused on training teachers for public schools. Among its graduates was George Armstrong Custer, who taught in Athens Township before attending West Point. Information from Harrison County Ohio Sesquicentennial 1813–1963.

Cyrus McNeely founded the McNeely Normal School in 1852, later authorized to grant degrees as Hopedale Normal College.

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