History: Water oak by the gateposts

The gates of the original entrance to Vanderbilt University in about 1900. Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives photo PA.CAF.GATE.001

Located outside the Vanderbilt Law School, a giant water oak stands on the side of the gateposts by 21st Avenue.

Water oak 2-879 near the original university gates. Photo by Steve Baskauf under a CC BY license.

Going straight down the road outside the gate, it takes you directly to the center of Nashville city. Just like now, the gate was also a primary exit that led students and faculty to downtown. The road was used by many as the main entrance to school, and it took people across campus to the old Wesley Hall, the biggest residential housing for students and faculty members. Although the gates are no longer there, the gateposts still stand.

One of the original gateposts at the entrance to Vanderbilt campus. The gateposts were separated more widely when cars began to use the entrance. Photo by Steve Baskauf under a CC0 license

Today, the road no longer exists; the new law school stood and became an emblem of Vanderbilt’s advance and improvements. Nevertheless, the water oak still stands solidly and serve as a vivid evidence to the marvelous history of the institute.

This plaque celebrates the history of the original gateposts still standing along 21st Ave.S. near the Law School.

Return to the historical tree tour page for water oak 2-879.