[1][2] Ercildoun Seminary was founded in 1851 by Smedley Darlington as a boys' school but soon thereafter was changed to one exclusively for girls.

[2] The large school buildings were nearly demolished by a tornado in July 1877, including also a new dwelling in under construction, which was injured.

A potato patch in the rear of the dwelling was rendered entirely bare, all of the new growth being scraped off by the friction of the storm-cloud.

[2] In that year, Darlington purchased a property .75 miles (1.21 km) southwest of West Chester, along the Wissahickon Creek,[3] to which he removed the school in October.

The grounds were beautiful and included 26 acres (11 ha), with fruit and ornamental shade trees.

[4] Though the school buildings had the capacity for about 60 boarders, they were frequently unable to accommodate all who desired to attend.