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.

Map of the City of Nashville and Vicinity

Creator W.F. Foster

Date 1877

Type Map

Source Library of Congress

This map depicts the city of Nashville as it existed in 1877. Important to notice is Vanderbilt’s location in Nashville: it was outside of the city center in “north” Nashville. When the land was purchased, Vanderbilt was positioned outside of the city.

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