The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

McDowell Columns

Click on image titles for larger views.

McDowell Columns (1949), Chowan University

McDowell Columns (1969), Chowan University

Institution Name: Chowan University
Original/Historic Place Name: The Columns
Location on Campus: 1 University Place
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1851-1852

original construction; Aug. 1851 - Nov. 1852 Jones, Albert G.

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: brick

Walls: brick; plaster

Roof: wood shingles (original); tin (current)

Function:

ca. 1852	residence hall
1852-1943	old main
1852-1943	administration
1949-present (2007)	administration
1949-present (2007)	old main

Significance:
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
With its stately double-height Doric columns and topped by an octagonal cupola, McDowell Columns is a central landmark of and for Chowan University. Built in 1852 for the Chowan Baptist Female Institute, the McDowell Columns housed students and also served as the administrative center of the school. Although it no longer serves the function of student housing, it continues to be utilized for the university's administration. It has been a beacon of education and culture for more than a century.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

Stephenson, Frank. Chowan College. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2004.

II. Location of other data:

University: Library, Special Collections, Facilities Management Office

SHPO