Georgetown’s Historic Choctaw Indian Academy Faces Uncertain Future

Georgetown, Kentucky – The Choctaw Indian Academy, the first federal boarding school for Native American boys, is at risk of being lost to time if current restoration efforts fail. Dr. William “Chip” Richardson, a Georgetown ophthalmologist and property owner of the Academy’s remaining dormitory, highlighted the institution’s historical significance, noting, “The Choctaw Indian Academy was born out of treaties starting as early as 1820 where they understood that a western education was their key to survival.”

The Academy was established on the site of Richard Mentor Johnson’s property in Scott County in 1825, following a failed attempt by the Baptist Mission Society in 1818. Its aim was to provide education to Choctaw boys, acknowledging the needs for assimilation into Western society, especially during a time when Native American tribes were facing significant pressure.

Richardson emphasized the progressive nature of the Academy, stating, “Can you imagine a place in the frontier where eighteen different languages were being spoken?” While the school produced notable graduates, including the first Native American to graduate from medical school, it also faced immense challenges, particularly later in its operational years which ended in 1848. Many students struggled with English instruction and faced oppressive disciplinary measures.

As the last remnants of the Academy stand, Richardson is spearheading a fundraising initiative to restore the building, with an estimated cost of $290,000. Currently, only $30,000 has been raised. “The fundraising has been hard,” he noted, indicating public misunderstanding related to school histories may hinder current efforts.

Current efforts include a partnership with The Choctaw Foundation, which helped construct a temporary covering to protect the structure from further deterioration. Without adequate funds, the risk of collapse looms within the next two years.

As the bicentennial of the Academy approaches, a renewed push for awareness and support is sought. Those interested in donating can find more information via the Save the Choctaw Academy page on social media, while the Georgetown and Scott County Museum features an exhibit dedicated to the school.

The Choctaw Indian Academy represents a complex historical narrative that blends aspirations for education and cultural preservation with the stark realities of early American policies towards Native peoples. If left unchecked, the restoration efforts may fade, along with the legacy of a pioneering institution.