Wilcox Female Institute was incorporated in 1850 by James A. Tait, L. W. Mason, Joseph George, and associates. Its original trustees were Col. J. C. Jones, Joseph George, Maj. M. M. Bonham, D. W. Sterrett, Col. C. C. Sellers, Dr. M. Reid, J. W. Bridges, Dr. Robert Irvin, and Maj. F. K. Beck. Its first principal was L. B. Johnson, and it was deeded to the State of Alabama in 1908.