ABSTRACT
The Julia Lathrops' belief in women's rights included education. By the mid-1870s it had already established a national reputation as a pioneer institution, offering women the most advanced opportunities for education. In the middle of the nineteenth century teacher's seminaries like Rockford, which provided the chance for women to receive education beyond high school, already dotted the educational landscape on the East Coast and the Midwest. Admiring her ambition and her sense of independence, William was pleased and willing to let his "shy" daughter Julia travel almost one thousand miles to further her education. By the 1870s forming friendships was an important aspect of college life for what was a growing number of college women, who had the opportunity to pursue education away from home. By the late 1870s Vassar was no longer the only women's college offering a comprehensive liberal arts education—Wellesley and Smith opened their doors in 1875.
