Starkville, Mississippi, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Anna Burnham, a pioneering educator, played a crucial role in the education of Choctaw students in Starkville, Mississippi, at the Hikas hub baha school during the early 19th century. Despite the school’s closure due to the forced removal of the Choctaw Nation, her dedication to education continued as she taught in various locations until her retirement. Burnham’s impact on education and her commitment to the Choctaw community remain significant.
Starkville, Mississippi: The Legacy of Anna Burnham – Pioneer Teacher
Anna Burnham, a dedicated and pioneering educator, made significant contributions to the Choctaw community in Mississippi during the early 19th century. At the Hikas hub baha school, which opened its doors in 1830, she played a pivotal role in educating young Choctaw students until the school’s closure in 1832 due to the forced removal of the Choctaw Nation, part of the historical Trail of Tears.
The Hikas hub baha school, located near present-day Starkville, began with 19 students—12 boys and 7 girls—and was unique in its dual-language curriculum, teaching students in both Choctaw and English. Under Burnham’s guidance, the curriculum encompassed essential subjects like reading, writing, grammar, spelling, arithmetic, and geography, in addition to hymns and Bible passages which were utilized to facilitate reading skills.
The school was initially staffed by a Choctaw teacher educated at mission schools, who laid the foundation for the learning environment Burnham would later nurture starting in 1831. The importance of this institution is underscored by the map published in December 1832 in the Missionary Herald, showcasing various Indian missions and schools operated in Mississippi by The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, including Hikas hub baha.
Despite the heartbreaking closure due to the removal of the Choctaw Nation, Anna Burnham’s legacy continued. After leaving Mississippi, she followed the displaced Choctaw people westward, taking on teaching roles in various schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma until her retirement in 1845.
Born in 1778 in Hartford, Connecticut, and related to the steamboat inventor John Fitch, Burnham embarked on her teaching journey in 1822 when she traveled to the Choctaw Nation. She arrived at the Mayhew mission along with two young Choctaw men after a long journey from Massachusetts. At Mayhew, she taught 47 students in a large dwelling and a new schoolhouse that accommodated up to 100 students.
In 1831, Burnham was reassigned to the Hikas hub baha school and remained there until its closure the following year. Following this period, she briefly taught in Havanna, Alabama, before continuing her commitment to educating Choctaw children. In 1833, after moving to Arkansas at the age of 52, she worked at the Wheelock Choctaw Mission School. Throughout her career, Anna taught at various missions, including Clear Creek Mission, Pine Ridge Mission, and Red River Mission.
Burnham’s long tenure in education came to an end in 1845, marking her as the oldest missionary in service at that time. After her retirement, she returned to New England, married Ruben Belden in 1846, and passed away on September 18, 1847. Her obituary acknowledged her 25 years of dedicated service as a teacher among the Choctaw Indians and encapsulated her life’s work with the sentiment that “the memory of the just is blessed.”
Key Features of Anna Burnham’s Legacy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First School | Hikas hub baha located near Starkville, opened in 1830 |
| Initial Students | 19 students (12 boys and 7 girls) |
| Languages Taught | Choctaw and English |
| Closure Year | 1832, due to the removal of the Choctaw Nation |
| Teaching Career Duration | Over 25 years |
| Retirement | 1845, as the oldest missionary in service |
| Death | September 18, 1847 |
FAQ
What was the Hikas hub baha school?
The Hikas hub baha school was located near present-day Starkville, Mississippi, opened in 1830 and served 19 students initially.
Who was Anna Burnham?
Anna Burnham was a teacher who played a pivotal role in the education of Choctaw students at the Hikas hub baha school and continued her teaching career in various locations until her retirement in 1845.
When did the Hikas hub baha school close?
The Hikas hub baha school closed in 1832 due to the removal of the Choctaw Nation, part of the Trail of Tears.
What subjects were taught at Hikas hub baha?
Subjects included reading, writing, grammar, spelling, arithmetic, geography, and Bible passages, with instruction in both Choctaw and English.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starkville Hosts Annual Buzzy’s Art Awards to Celebrate Talent
Starkville’s Competitive Mayoral Race Heats Up
Additional Resources
- Starkville School District News
- Clarion Ledger: High School Football Scores Week 5
- Columbus Dispatch: Choctaw Visit to Armstrong Junior High
- Clarion Ledger: High School Football Scores Week 7
- Wikipedia: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
