The Lawn is the heart of the University — a place where we pass through towering columns on our route to class and gather for spirited snowball fights in the chill of winter. It is a vibrant nexus, serving as the string that ties the University community together. Whether you are a Lawnie or simply passing through, it’s easy to move through the Lawn each day without ever pausing to consider the rich history woven into this cherished space.
1. Pavilion VII — the hidden pioneer of the University
The official cornerstone of the University was laid at Pavilion VII Oct. 6, 1817. Many students don’t realize that this construction is actually older than the Lawn’s centerpiece itself, the Rotunda. By design, Pavilion VII makes the boundaries of knowledge limitless by emphasizing a collective lifestyle between students and faculty. Today, Pavilion VII is a beautiful and cozy space that is home to the Colonnade Club — a social club for faculty, staff and alumni. Additionally, it serves as a gathering space for many on-Grounds events for CIOs, networking and more.
2. Temples and French flair behind the pavilions
It’s widely known that the Rotunda was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, but fewer people realize that each pavilion on the Lawn was also inspired by classical architecture. Most pavilions drew their designs from Greek and Roman temples, showcasing Thomas Jefferson’s admiration for these ancient styles. However, Pavilion IX stands out as an exception, its design influenced by the Hotel de Guimard in Paris, adding a touch of Western European elegance to the Village’s aesthetic.
3. The Rotunda clock’s fiery past
Caused by faulty wiring, the Rotunda’s fire in 1895 destroyed the Rotunda and its former Annex, which was double the size of the Rotunda and had many classrooms and lecture halls. Prior to this incident, students used the Rotunda clock’s hands as targets for shooting practice, complicating their efforts by riding on horses while shooting. As a result, the University made the clock bulletproof during its remodel.
4. An obscure side-hustle for students
Many students nowadays seek employment at Grit Coffee, Clemons Library or as a research or teaching assistant, but how about as a Rotunda Guard? In 2002, one student held this unique position, earning $6 an hour with the singular responsibility to ensure that the Rotunda didn’t burn down — a precaution born out of the devastating 1895 fire that destroyed part of the iconic building. Today, the responsibility of celebrating this legacy has evolved into the roles of the Rotunda Ambassadors, who provide tours and share the history of the building with visitors — as well as keep an eye out for any sneaky flames that try to reignite, of course.
5. A toasty, traumatic tradition for students of the past
If you’re anything like me, you likely feel a wave of anxiety as you click "submit" on Canvas. Now, imagine having to present your paper in-person to a professor who would decide your grade within minutes. For students in the University’s early days, this was a routine process that took place in the Rotunda. Students would sit at the head of a long table with a fireplace at the opposite end and present their papers. If the professor deemed the work terrible, it would be dramatically tossed into the fireplace.
6. An unexpected guest atop the Rotunda
When bringing his vision for Grounds to life, Jefferson probably never pictured his students placing cows on top of his sacred Rotunda, but the most infamous prank in University history did exactly that. In 1965, a group of five students placed a 250-pound calf on top of the Rotunda, 50 feet in the air. The search for the culprits remained unsolved for 31 years until 1997, when the then-president of the NASDAQ stock market confessed to being one of the guilty. Apparently, cows were pretty easy to find at the University, as they roamed the land we now call Shannon and Clemons Libraries.
7. The original inhabitants of The Mews
The Mews, constructed around 1829 are two of a few remaining slave quarters still standing at the University. Both of these spaces originally housed enslaved laborers who contributed to the construction of the Academical Village. Recent archaeological findings have uncovered markings of serpentine walls beneath the ground of The Mews, resembling those that line the Pavilion gardens. In addition to these remaining slave quarters, a plaque was installed under the Rotunda in 2007 to honor the contributions of enslaved laborers, marking a significant step in recognizing their integral role in the University’s history.
8. Hierarchy through architecture
The next time you take a stroll down the Lawn or visit the Rotunda, take a close look at the different designs that embellish the tops of the columns. The columns are of varying formalities, selected according to the usage of the space they precede. These various styles are a symbol of Jefferson’s use of architecture, communicating the hierarchical relationships that exist within the University community. Housing students, Lawn rooms are lined with Tuscan columns — the least ornate. A step up are the Doric and Ionic styles which line the pavilions that are home to faculty and staff. Lastly, the most ornate are the Corinthian-style columns, which embellish the Rotunda.
9. A testament to the pursuit of knowledge
The centerpiece of the Lawn, the Rotunda, originally served as the University’s first official library. While this choice might seem practical given the limited number of buildings in the University’s youth, it was, in fact, an intentional decision by Jefferson. This placement was meant to frame the University as a space where knowledge was the focal point as opposed to religion, a bold departure from the norms of most higher education institutions at the time. Today, this vision remains, as students and faculty continue to preserve the Rotunda as a symbol of lifelong learning and intellectual exploration.
10. From scholastic foundations to sensational fries
West Range Café is a beloved spot on-Grounds, known for its tasty fries and cozy ambiance. However, before it became the charming nook we know today, it served many unique purposes. The space was initially used as a dining hall before becoming a chemistry lab in 1909, where students conducted experiments for 10 years. In 1919, the University’s first class of 11 architecture students matriculated, and this small space was turned into a classroom. After the program moved to Fayerweather Hall in 1924, the space returned to dining, now home to West Range Café and a faculty dining room on the floor above.
In every corner of the Lawn lies a story waiting to be uncovered. These facts not only highlight the architectural and historical significance of the University, but also remind us of the evolving roles and traditions that shape its identity. The Lawn is more than a landmark — it is a living testament to the past, present and future of the University community.
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