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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Anderson University

SC PICTURE PROJECT 2 Comments

SC Picture Project / Anderson County / Anderson University

Anderson University traces its roots to the Johnson Female Seminary, which opened in Anderson in 1848. Forced to close its doors during the Civil War, the citizens of Anderson longed for another institute of higher education in their city. This led to the donation of land and money in 1910 to the South Carolina Baptist Convention to help in the formation of a college.

Anderson University's Merritt Administration Building

Lynne Jenkins of Anderson, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In 1911, the South Carolina General Assembly issued a charter for Anderson College. Shorty afterwards the Merritt Administration Building, seen above, was constructed. Housing both offices and classrooms, it was the only academic building on campus for several years. Today the president’s office and the Merritt Theater can also be found within the stately structure.

Anderson College

Bill Fitzpatrick of Taylors © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

After the addition of graduate studies, Anderson College became Anderson University on January 1, 2006 to fully reflect the wide-range of degree studies offered.

The Anderson College Historic District is listed in the National Register:

In the spring of 1910 the Anderson Chamber of Commerce inaugurated a subscription campaign to raise money to build a college for young women in Anderson. The school’s supporters intended for the college to be affiliated with a church. In late November 1910, the South Carolina Baptist Convention met in Laurens and agreed to use the money and land to create a Baptist college. The first session opened in September 1912 with a student body of 115 young women. The Anderson College Historic District consists of a largely intact collection of five academic buildings and one landscape feature, the grounds, historically associated with the college. In addition to oak trees, the grounds include a number of mature magnolias, dogwoods, and evergreens that add to the park-like setting. A sidewalk extends through the lawn from Boulevard to the Merritt Administration Building, emphasizing its importance historically as the central structure or focal point of the campus and surrounding area. The original section of Anderson College, built between 1912 and 1920, contains four buildings, two loggias and a connector. In addition, the lodge (built ca. 1915-1920) is located at the main entrance near the Boulevard. The Neo-Classical style of architecture is consistent with each building, but every structure has individual qualities that add to their unique character.

Many thanks to Bill Fitzpatrick of Taylors for sharing this shot of the Merritt Administration Building. Bill enjoys the singular distinction of being the only person ever to have visited all 1,400 of South Carolina’s National Historic Landmarks. He has published several helpful e-books which serve as invaluable travel guides to the Palmetto State.

Plan Your Trip: Anderson University

Where is Anderson University located?
Address: 316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621
GPS Coordinates: 34.513839,-82.638793
Website: http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/
What else should I see?
Anderson Carnegie Library 1.4 miles
Sullivan-King Mortuary 1.4 miles
Portman Shoals Generator 1.4 miles
Anderson Arts Center 1.5 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Anderson Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Colleges
  • See other South Carolina National Register
    Anderson University Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Larry Thomas, Jr. says

      June 29, 2017 at 2:50 PM

      This is a request for college transcripts. I graduated 1989 with an associates in business administration.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        June 30, 2017 at 6:17 PM

        Hello Larry, we are not directly affiliated with Anderson College. We only provide the history on here as a historical or interesting landmark. Your best bet would be to contact them directly. This is their website which has contact information located at the bottom of the page. https://www.andersonuniversity.edu/. Thanks! Hope that helps.

        Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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