Abingdon Male Academy was an American military academy in Abingdon, Virginia. It is established in 1803, and is now defunct.[1] Its property is now the site of the William King Regional Arts Center.[2][1]

History

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The Abingdon Male Academy was originally located at Court at Water Streets (now Park Street).[1] William King, who served as a school trustee, died in 1808 and left more than 500 acres (200 ha) of land to the school, and they moved to this land in 1824.[1]

By 1912, the town leased the land to use as the William King High School, until it closed in 1959.[1]

One notable alumnus was Judge Jeremiah Watkins Clapp, who served in the 2nd Confederate States Congress from 1862 to 1864.[3]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 5 O'Nan, Chris (February 27, 2000). "Irish immigrant's influence seen even in 21st century". Bristol Herald Courier. p. 102. Retrieved January 25, 2026 via Newspapers.com.
  2. Upton, Michael C. (April 30, 2025). "Small Town, Big History: The Stories of Abingdon". Virginia Living. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  3. Speer, Wiliam A. (1888). Sketches of Prominent Tennesseans: Containing Biographies and Records of Many of the Families who Have Attained Prominence in Tennessee. Nashville, Tennessee: A. B. Tavel. pp. 40-41.
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