William and Mary Alumni Magazine | Spring 2008, Vol. 73, No. 3
Ask any William and Mary alumnus who Jefferson Hall is named for, and they'll probably at least think of our third president, if not name him. Ask where the name Tyler Hall comes from, and a current student will probably mention the sculpture garden nearby. But ask anyone who Brown Hall is named for and all they are likely to offer is a blank stare.
Any college, by its nature, is an occasionally haphazard collection of grounds, buildings and statues. William and Mary, though guided in large part by a unifying plan, is not much different. Structures on campus have been relocated, torn down and had their names changed over the years. Dorms have been gutted by fire, athletic facilities repurposed for offices and even the Wren Building has been remodeled extensively many times in its history.
The stories behind some of William and Mary's buildings -- including those of a Progressive Era philanthropic pioneer, a troubled Civil War commander, a celebrated history professor and a dedicated Methodist missionary -- are not as well known as others. As the College continues into the 21st century, some tales of the 19th and 20th will hopefully prove enlightening.
William Booth Taliaferro Class of 1841 | Professor Richard Lee Morton
Mrs. Edward Brown | Dr. Kate Harwood Waller Barrett
