A Change of Name and Location

The Washington Donation

The financial security of Liberty Hall Academy was plagued by difficulties in raising enough contributions to sustain operations at the school. George Washington’s gift to the Academy became one of the most significant episodes in its early history. In 1785, the Virginia legislature conferred one hundred shares of stock in the newly formed James River Company upon Washington. He accepted the stock conditionally until he could select a public purpose to which he would donate it. As Liberty Hall was experiencing serious financial challenges due to low enrollment throughout the 1770s and 1780s, the trustees eagerly appealed to Washington for the money. Although other schools such as Hampden-Sydney College applied as well, in late 1796 Washington announced that Liberty Hall would be the recipient of the shares. In 1797, the trustees voted to change the name of the school to Washington Academy. Not only did the donation ensure the financial stability of the institution, Washington’s recognition greatly advanced the prestige of the school.

The Fire of 1803

In November 1802, the trustees insured the stone dormitory/classroom building against fire. It was a fortuitous action, for a few weeks later the wooden roof of the building caught fire and the interior was gutted. Fortunately, the majority of the library, educational instruments, and students’ property was saved.

Arrangements were made to conduct classes and house students in Lexington, and when the schoolhouse was declared too badly damaged to be repaired economically, the people of Lexington convinced the trustees to move the school into the town of Lexington. Andrew Alexander traded the land upon which Washington and Lee now stands for the Mulberry Hill Campus.