Col. Asbury Coward, CSA

Class of 1854

Hometown: Charleston, SC

Distinguished Alumnus Photo

  • 8th Superintendent of The Citadel, 1890-1908.
  • Established Kings Mountain Military Academy, Yorkville, SC, with his classmate Micah Jenkins in 1855.
  •  During the Civil War, Colonel Coward served in the campaigns of 1862 and Longstreet’s campaign in Georgia and Tennessee.  
  • In 1866, Coward reopened King’s Mountain Military Academy.
  • A Nationally known and respected educator, Coward was appointed South Carolina Superintendent of Education 1882-1885.
  • Coward was appointed to the West Point Board of Visitors by President Theodore Roosevelt. 
  • Coward Hall (The Citadel Cadet Mess Hall) is named in his honor.