MASON COUNTY HISTORIC MARKERS

photo by Lt. Col. Kendall Bergmann (Ret.)

PONTOTOC AND SAN FERNANDO ACADEMY MARKER

Marker Text: Pontotoc settled abou 1859, was named by first merchant, M.R. Kidd for his home town in Mississippi. Post Offfice was opened 1878 in the B. J. Willis home, with Mrs Willis postmaster.

Founded by interested citizens, San Fernando Academy (probably named for nearby creek) opened 1883. Pupils (200 during academy's career) took regular subjects or courses leading toward teacher certificates. Principals were K. T. Hamilton and W. C. Roaten. After academy failed, site was sold by W.J. and B.J. Willis and used by the public school until 1927. (1972)