The Johnson Female Seminary was a pioneering institution in Anderson, South Carolina, established in 1848 by Reverend William Bullein Johnson, a prominent Baptist minister and the first president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Its founding marked a significant advancement in women’s education during a time when such opportunities were limited.​

Johnson Female Seminary was established in 1848 at the present-day site of First Baptist Church of Anderson which is also an affiliate of Anderson University

Located on “University Hill” in Anderson, the seminary was one of the earliest institutions in the United States dedicated to the higher education of women. Under the leadership of Reverend Johnson, the school offered a rigorous curriculum that included subjects like Latin, Greek, and calculus. Students even published their own periodical, Le Bas Bleu, showcasing their academic achievements .​

In 1852, the seminary expanded and was renamed Johnson University, reflecting its growth and the increasing demand for higher education among women. At its peak, the institution enrolled approximately 600 students .​

The outbreak of the Civil War in the early 1860s led to significant changes for Johnson University. The institution was forced to close, and its buildings were repurposed for Confederate use, including serving as a treasury. Following the war, the site was utilized as a Freedmen’s School during Reconstruction and later became the Patrick Military Institute before being demolished in the 1920s .​

The legacy of Johnson Female Seminary and Johnson University lived on through the establishment of Anderson College in 1911, which later evolved into Anderson University. This transition was inspired by the earlier institution’s commitment to education and its impact on the community .​

Reverend Johnson’s contributions to education and religion were profound. In addition to founding the seminary, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the Southern Baptist Convention and served as its first president. His dedication to education, particularly for women, was a testament to his progressive vision for society .​