Established 1868 by educator O. N. Hollingsworth. A private school, it was coeducational and offered military training to boys. So-named because it was a Coronal (crown) atop this hill. In 1870 the Rev. R. H. Belvin bought school, but sold it to the Methodist Church in 1876. First structure, of limestone, burned in 1890. A handsome, 3-story building soon replaced it. Hundreds of students attended institute, which helped pioneer education in southwest Texas. The Methodist Church closed school, 1918. It was sold, 1925, to San Marcos School District.