Strengthening Ties: The Hidden Individuals behind Vanderbilt’s Founding

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About This Exhibition

On March 17, 1873, railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt moved to “strengthen the ties” between the North and the war-torn South by endowing the Central University of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. While Bishop Holland McTyeire is credited with inspiring Vanderbilt’s gift, a network of hidden individuals helped actualize this dream. Vanderbilt’s second wife, Frank, and her cousin Amelia McTyeire forged “silent but golden” links in Vanderbilt’s ties to influential post-Civil War circles. Additionally, Chancellor Landon Garland procured for the institute the finest scientific instruments available at the turn of the nineteenth century. The work of these individuals enabled Vanderbilt University to become the preeminent center of learning that it is today.

FutureVU Video

This video, produced by Vanderbilt’s development team, illustrates the campus development of Vanderbilt from 1870 to today. Follow along and watch as Vanderbilt’s campus changes to reflect shifts in its goals, plans, and identity.

Vanderbilt Land Use History Video

Curator Sterling Akers – Early Vanderbilt Campus in Nashville »

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