Historic Belmont Quad and Bell Tower

As you walk through Belmont University’s historic quad, listen and/or read along. Feel free to take pictures! And if you want a challenge, see if you can count the number of dog statues. We’ll tell you at the end of the stop how many there are in total. Follow the sidewalk on the right side of the quad. You will stop at the Kitty Bugg West Amphitheater with the water fountain. Now back to our story. . . The Belmont Mansion began its new life as a school for young women in 1890 after Susan Heron and Ida Hood, both from Pennsylvania, purchased the property. How did these pioneering educators discover Belmont? They happened to see the estate on a tour of the city while attending the National Education Association’s annual meeting in Nashville. 

As a school, the mansion took on a new life: the upstairs and dining rooms were converted into dormitories, the grand salon became a place for large gatherings, horse stables were constructed, and gas lighting and heat was installed.Between 1895 and 1910, other buildings were added, all still visible today: Fidelity, Freeman and Barbara Massey Halls. These buildings flank the mansion. On your left, you’ll also see Heron Hall, Hail Hall, and Pembroke Hall, the oldest dorm buildings on campus.

In 1913, Belmont College merged with Ward Seminary to become the Ward-Belmont—a junior college, high school, and music conservatory. During a time when most women could not attend all-male schools, Ward-Belmont emerged as one of the most prestigious women’s colleges in the South. At its height, there were over 1200 students, led by President John Blanton and his wife Anna Blanton. However, the Great Depression took its toll, and traditional universities began accepting women in larger numbers after WWII. In May 1951, the school reopened as a four-year coeducational institution. In 1991, the school changed its name from Belmont College to Belmont University.

On your right you will see several mid-twentieth century buildings including the Wilson Music Building and Massey Performing Arts Center—both are part of Belmont University’s award winning music and music business programs. You will also pass the Hitch Building—home to the university’s O’More College of Architecture and Design as well as Watkins College of Art. These buildings have all been recently renovated. 

As you walk down the Old Quad, also take note of the elegant gazebos, enchanting gardens, and many statues. These elements have largely stayed true to Adelicia’s original vision and was continued during the Ward-Belmont era. 

Press pause and then resume narration once your reach the Kitty Bugg West Amphitheater and fountain.

Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, look up and take in Belmont’s iconic Bell Tower. Built in 1853, Colonel and Mrs. Acklen used this as a water tower, with a moat which was spanned by a bridge at the entrance. During the Civil War it was used as a signal tower. During the time of Ward-Belmont School, the idea of a 'singing tower' arose. In 1928, a carillon of 23 bells was installed—the first in Tennessee—and the heaviest bell weighed 1,188 pounds! The bells are played by a carillonneur, who uses a keyboard and foot pedals to play multiple notes at the same time. Peek inside to see the prayer chapel installed in 1974 on the ground level. There are still carillon concerts, and music students can take lessons on the 3rd floor practice area. You can also hear the automatic chime which rings every hour from 9:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m.

The Foutch Alumni House, on your left, is also a remnant of the Ward-Belmont era. It was one of the many houses on“clubhouse row,” which was home to Ward-Belmont’s social clubs (very similar to present-day Greek letter organizations). According to Paul Chenoweth, the building was Ward-Belmont’s Clubhouse No. 10 as part of what was called Club Village. Each club house was used for meetings, meals for special occasions, teas, dances, and housing visiting alumni. The original fireplace, banister and beams remain and were integrated into its 2014 restoration. There were ten clubs, six for boarding students and four for local students including Triad, Ariston, Eccowasin, and Angkor. 

Next to the Bell Tower is the Gabhart Center, which was named after Dr. Herbert C. Gabhart, who served as president of Belmont College from 1959 to 1982 and chancellor until his death in 2009. In 1959, total enrollment was just 360 students. By 1982, the student population was over 2,000. In his retirement speech, Gabhart promised that “every day [helived], [he would] say a good word and do a good deed for Belmont.” Under the leadership of Presidents Herbert Gabhart, Bill Troutt, and Bob Fisher, Belmont has continued to expand. Now with nearly 9,000 students, 11 colleges, and 100 majors, Belmont University remains one of the fastest growing universities in the United States.

Ok, so before we leave, how many dog statues are there on the Old Quad? If you count the very first one as you approached the mansion, there are seven total! Of course, you’ll also notice statues of other animals and figures too. The art in this quad serves as a reminder of the elegance of nature and animals that once roamed these grounds.

From the Belmont Tower, take the pathway to your left and walk towards Beaman Student Life and Gabhart buildings. Go up the six steps to the Curb Event Center and turn right. You will be facing a fountain and Belmont Blvd. Turn RIGHT on Belmont Blvd., which becomes Portland Avenue. Begin the next stop by the fountain and three statues.