In his autobiography, Writings of Mark Crayon N. B. (Doc) McDowell writes the following about the Second Creek Acadamey.
Note: After teaching two terms of school with a #2 certificate, Mr. McDowell decided that he needed more education.
"Mark taught the second term where he taught the first one, and decided that if he intended to follow teaching he would have to attend a literary school, and he entered the Second Creek Academey, or "Stable College" as it was called.
There was a stage line from the white Sulphur Springs after the war. They changed horses at J. C. Burdette's and Mr. Burdette built a large stable to accomodate the horses. After the stage line was discontinued he converted the stable into a school house, hence the name "Stable College." A. C. Houston, son of Doctor Samuel Houston, who had just graduated from college, became the first principal of Second Creek Acdemy. After teaching a term or two he took up the practice of law, and Rev. George T. Lyle, pastor of Salem, Hillsdale, and Carmel Churches, became principal. His Mother-in-law, Mrs. Marquis, had charge of the female department. Mr. Lyle was a cultured man and an excellent teacher. He taught latin, Greek, and higher English. His object was to prepare his boys for college. Mrs. Marquis was a refined and highly educated lady. Everybody like Mrs. Marquis." (McDowell page 26.)
The Second Creek Academey was on what is now Childers Road in Monroe County. At the time of its existance, it was on what was the White Sulphur Springs Salt Sulphur Turnpike which followed what is now Monroe Draft (Rt. 63) and Childers Road. I do not know which route the Turnpike took to Union form Burdettes which is near the junction of Jones Mountain Road. Otis Rice, in his History of Greenbrier County, mentions that a Second Creek High School was built at Burdettes. I do not know if he was confusing this high school with the old academey of if there was actually a Second Creek High School there.