# Mary Allen Seminary

> building in Crockett, Houston County, Texas

**Wikidata**: [Q6778823](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6778823)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Allen_Seminary)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mary-allen-seminary

## Summary
Mary Allen Seminary is a historic university building in Crockett, Houston County, Texas, that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 for its significance in African American education and Second Empire architecture. Located at 803 North 4th Street, the building originally served as a school for African American girls before evolving into a broader educational institution.

## Key Facts
- Mary Allen Seminary is located at 803 North 4th Street in Crockett, Houston County, Texas, with coordinates at latitude 31.3274286599999 and longitude -95.46147021
- The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 1983, under reference number 83004514
- The seminary features Second Empire architecture, which contributed to its historic significance
- It is designated as both a university and university building on the National Register of Historic Places
- The Texas Historic Sites Atlas identifies the seminary with ID number 2083004514
- Mary Allen Seminary has a Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) ID of 156208905
- The seminary appears in Wikimedia Commons with category "Mary Allen Seminary"
- It has 2 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects, including English Wikipedia
- The National Register listing qualifies under criteria A (History) and C (Architecture)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Mary Allen Seminary and where is it located?
A: Mary Allen Seminary is a historic university building located at 803 North 4th Street in Crockett, Houston County, Texas. The building features Second Empire architecture and serves as an educational institution in the region.

### Q: When was Mary Allen Seminary designated a historic landmark?
A: Mary Allen Seminary was designated a historic landmark when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 1983, under reference number 83004514.

### Q: What architectural style is represented in Mary Allen Seminary?
A: Mary Allen Seminary represents Second Empire architecture in the United States and Canada, which contributes to its historic significance and distinguishes it from other buildings in the region.

### Q: What was the original purpose of Mary Allen Seminary?
A: Mary Allen Seminary was originally established as a school for African American girls, serving an important educational function in a segregated society before evolving into a broader academic institution.

## Why It Matters
Mary Allen Seminary holds significant historical importance as an educational institution that provided opportunities for African American students during periods of limited access to higher education. As a National Register of Historic Place landmark, it represents both the struggle for educational equality and the architectural heritage of African American educational institutions in the South. The building's Second Empire architecture stands as a physical reminder of late 19th-century educational developments and how these institutions adapted established architectural styles for their own purposes. Its preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate both the physical structure and the important social history it represents.

## Notable For
- One of the few surviving examples of Second Empire architecture used for African American educational institutions in Texas
- Original purpose as a school specifically for African American girls, making it a significant part of women's educational history in the state
- Dual recognition on the National Register of Historic Places under both its historic educational significance (criterion A) and architectural merit (criterion C)
- Continuous educational use since its founding, demonstrating resilience and adaptation through changing educational needs

## Body
### Location and Identification
- Mary Allen Seminary is situated at 803 North 4th Street in Crockett, Houston County, Texas
- Geographic coordinates: latitude 31.3274286599999, longitude -95.46147021
- Alternative address format: 803 N. 4th St.
- Texas Historic Sites Atlas ID: 2083004514
- Listed with coordinates latitude 31.32722222, longitude -95.46138889 in some records

### Historic Designation
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 1983
- National Register reference number: 83004514
- Listed under criteria A (History) and C (Architecture)
- Official National Register name: "Mary Allen Seminary for Colored Girls, Administration Building"
- Designated as both a university and university building on the National Register

### Architectural Features
- Exhibits Second Empire architecture in the United States and Canada style
- This architectural style is characterized by its distinctive mansard roof and ornate detailing
- The building represents the adaptation of formal architectural styles for educational purposes

### Institutional Background
- Originally established as a school for African American girls
- Functioned as a seminary (religious educational institution) with academic programs
- Evolved to serve as a broader educational institution
- Currently functions as a university building according to its classification

### Documentation and References
- Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) ID: 156208905
- Freebase ID: /m/0j_4k1r
- Library of Congress Authority ID: no00023858
- Wikipedia title: "Mary Allen Seminary"
- Wikimedia Commons category: "Mary Allen Seminary"
- Contains 2 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects

## References

1. [Texas Historic Sites Atlas](https://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/Details/2083004514)
2. National Register of Historic Places