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.

Old Science and Old Central

Creator C.G. Whitson

Date 1890

Type Photograph

Source Vanderbilt University Photographic Archives

This image pictures Old Science and Old Central, two of the original buildings on campus that can still be seen today. These buildings were the center of student life and housed important university function to learn and grow, much like today.

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