News Summary
Charlotte Mentelle, a pioneer in education and a remarkable figure in Lexington’s history, escaped revolutionary France to make significant contributions to women’s education. Arriving in the U.S. in 1789, she influenced future generations, including Mary Todd Lincoln, by founding her own school at a time when women’s education was often overlooked. A presentation honoring her life will be held at Waveland, showcasing her enduring impact on the community.
Lexington, KY – Charlotte Mentelle, a significant figure in the history of Lexington’s community and education, arrived in the United States from France in 1789, armed with a blunderbuss. Born on October 22, 1770, in Paris to a doctor, Mentelle’s unique upbringing included developing exceptional skills in shooting, fencing, and horseback riding, blending them with traditional womanly arts.
After her mother passed away when she was young, Charlotte was raised strictly by her father, who took unconventional measures to help her confront her fears, including locking her in a room with a corpse overnight. This formative experience ultimately shaped her adventurous spirit. Her marriage to Augustus Waldemar Mentelle, the son of a geographer to King Louis XVI, prompted her to flee revolutionary France in 1793 and relocate to Gallipolis, Ohio, where they reunited.
By 1795, the Mentelle family had moved to Washington, Kentucky, eventually settling in Fayette County. They had a total of eight children: one son and seven daughters. The Mentelles formed friendships with prominent local figures, such as Henry Clay, and, in 1805, they moved to Rose Hill, acquiring lifelong usage of the property.
Mentelle’s contributions to education began with her role teaching dance and French at Transylvania Seminary and later leading her own finishing school, Mentelle’s for Young Ladies, which she founded by 1820. Her school offered a range of subjects, including French, geography, literature, social etiquette, and dancing, aiming to equip young women for societal roles during a period when female education was not widely prioritized. Among her notable students was Mary Todd, who would later become the wife of President Abraham Lincoln, attending the school from 1832 to 1836.
Known for her eccentricity, Mentelle was often seen walking the streets of Lexington reading while wearing a man’s shirt. She continued to champion the education of young women throughout her life, even as societal norms resisted such advancements.
Augustus Waldemar Mentelle passed away on June 26, 1846, at the age of 77 after a protracted illness. Charlotte continued to influence the community until her death in 1860. Both were well-respected members of society who witnessed Lexington’s transformation from a frontier town into a bustling metropolitan area. Their obituary in the Kentucky Statesman reflected their characters and lasting contributions to the community.
Following their deaths, their son, Waldemar, Jr., acquired the land where they resided. Upon his passing in 1886, it was deeded to his daughter, Rose. The property underwent development in 1905, becoming Mentelle Park, which features 48 residences constructed between 1906 and 1934. Today, the blunderbuss originally brought by Charlotte Mentelle is exhibited at Waveland, alongside her husband’s portrait, commemorating their legacy.
In recognition of Charlotte Mentelle’s life and contributions, a presentation will be held at Waveland on June 14, featuring her story. Tickets for the event are priced at $40 each and include refreshments. Interested attendees can reserve their spots by calling 859-272-3611, as availability is limited.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Queer Kentucky: LGBTQ History Banners
- Google Search: Charlotte Mentelle
- Lex 18: Lexington’s Free History Hop
- Encyclopedia Britannica: History
- New York Times: Battle of Lexington
- Google Scholar: Women Education History Kentucky
