Asheville – Still in the Biltmore area this week, our next historic marker is located at the corner of Biltmore Avenue and Unadilla Avenue in Asheville. The marker reads: Established before 1793 as Union Hill Academy. Named for Rev. George Newton. Present Newton Academy School is the fourth building on this site.
The origins of Newton Academy date back to the late 1700s when William Forster, a Presbyterian philanthropist deeply invested in the spiritual and intellectual development of his community, allowed a school known as Union Hill Academy to be built on his property. This small log cabin schoolhouse, likely established before 1793, became a beacon of learning in what was then a sparsely populated area.
Forster’s generosity laid the foundation for what would become Asheville’s first formal educational institution. Robert Henry, the school’s first instructor, led Union Hill Academy during its early years, instilling in his students the basic principles of education that would serve as the bedrock for future generations.
In 1797, Reverend George Newton, a significant figure in the community, assumed leadership of the academy. Newton, whose influence and dedication to education were widely recognized, brought a new level of structure and vision to the institution. Under his guidance, the school began to flourish, and by 1803, it had outgrown its humble beginnings.
In a move that solidified the academy’s future, William Forster’s son, also named William, donated the school building and eight acres of land to the trustees of the academy in 1803. This act of generosity was motivated by the Forster family’s desire to provide a local school that would not only offer a classical curriculum but also uphold and support the Gospel. This commitment to both academic and spiritual education was a defining characteristic of the academy during its early years.
By 1809, the school had expanded further, thanks to an additional donation of 3.25 acres by William Forster III. With this expansion came the construction of a more durable brick building, replacing the original log structure. It was at this time that the school officially adopted the name “Newton Academy,” in honor of Reverend George Newton’s significant contributions.
Newton Academy continued to grow throughout the 19th century, adapting to the changing needs of the community. In 1858, a larger two-story brick building was constructed on the site, reflecting the academy’s status as a leading educational institution in the region.
However, the academy faced challenges as the century progressed. Competition from emerging public schools, the Civil War, and economic pressures began to take their toll. Despite these challenges, the Newton Academy Trustees remained committed to preserving the school’s legacy. They maintained the academy’s buildings and land, including the historic two-acre cemetery on the property, which served as the final resting place for many of Asheville’s early settlers.
As the 20th century approached, Newton Academy’s influence began to wane. Around 1900, the academy discontinued its classes due to declining enrollment and increased competition. However, the trustees were determined to ensure that the property continued to serve the community’s educational needs.
In 1921, the trustees entered into a seventy-five-year lease agreement with the City of Asheville. This agreement allowed the city to build a public school on the site, marking a significant transition from private to public education. The new school carried forward the legacy of learning that William Forster and his descendants had envisioned more than a century earlier.
The legacy of Newton Academy lives on in Asheville’s educational history. The academy’s commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual development set a standard for future institutions in the region. The original site of Newton Academy, now home to a public school, continues to serve as a place of learning for the community—a fitting tribute to the visionaries who founded Asheville’s first school.