Hartshorn Memorial College was founded by Joseph C. Hartshorn of Rhode Island in memory of his late wife, Rachel, "for the purpose of raising up a body of thoroughly educated Christian women." The school was chartered by the Legislature of Virginia on March 13, 1884. It was located at 1600 West Leigh Street in Richmond, incorporating some of the land and buildings of the old Bowe plantation. Although the grade levels taught varied over the years, at one time or another grades one through college were taught, including a Normal course. In 1922, Hartshorn coordinated their college courses with Virginia Union University, a cooperation that ended in June 1928. After that time Hartshorn only offered high school courses as it struggled financially during the Depression. In 1932, Hartshorn merged with Virginia Union.
From the guide to the Hartshorn Memorial College Reunion Collection, 1976-1980, (Archives and Special Collections Department, L. Douglas Wilder Library, Virginia Union University)
