Clemson University's Connection to Fort Hill
Fort Hill is a historic home located on Clemson University's campus. The home was inhabited by John C. Calhoun, a leading American politician from the state of South Carolina, and Thomas Green Clemson, a respected ambassador for the United States. Thomas Green Clemson’s will called for the establishment of a land grant university to be built on the property encompassing the Fort Hill plantation upon his death, making Mr. Clemson directly responsible for the foundation of present day Clemson University. Even though Fort Hill is located in the center of Clemson University’s campus, the significance of this home is often overlooked. Many students have no connection with Fort Hill and often are not even aware of who lived in the house. Clemson University and its students are fortunate to have a historic home located on their campus; however, the University must to a better job in connecting Fort Hill to the University and its students.
Legacy DayEvery year Clemson invites students to Legacy Day, which celebrates the history of Fort Hill. It is a day where students can learn more about the founding of Clemson and its rich history through speakers and tours of Fort Hill. It's usually held in the middle of November each year.
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Founder's Day
Founder's Day is held every April. The event, sponsored by the Tiger Brotherhood, is free and open to the public to emphasize the life and legacy, as well as commemorate the death, of the founder of our university, Thomas Clemson. At this event students are encouraged to explore Fort Hill and learn more about the estate and its connection to Clemson University.
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Clemson University's disconnection to Fort Hill:
We interviewed many students and alumni of Clemson University to get a better understanding of their connection to Fort Hill. The lack of any knowledge and connection that these students and alumni have to Fort Hill was shocking. We must encourage students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the univeristy to form a connection to Fort Hill while at Clemson University.
Individuals explain the significance of Fort Hill:
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