Fredericksburg Academy

Fredericksburg Academy was opened about 1852 by Professor B. C. Smith. He started the school in Fredericksburg with 40 students.  In the 1860 US Census for Fredericksburg, Salt Creek Township, he is listed as the head of the household.  He was 28 years old, born in Ohio, and listed as a school teacher.  Residing with him were 9 students ranging from ages 17 to 23. With the outbreak in the Civil War, the school had to close down for a period of time.  Smith reopened the school in 1863.  By 1864, the number of students had greatly increased.  Because of health reasons, he resigned as the teacher in 1866.