Seminary building is damaged by lightening. Poet Emily Dickinson attends Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. Esther Howland, first producer of valentines, graduates. Mary Lyon dies. Lydia Shattuck graduates, serves as chemistry and botany teacher until 1889, and becomes leading botanist in the United States.
Course of study expands from three years to four.
Students make 300 sewing kits for Union soldiers. Alumnae Association is established.