Confederate Memorial Hall, Vanderbilt University

Memorial Hall is a four-story red brick residence hall on Vanderbilt University's campus, featuring symmetrical windows and classical architectural details throughout its facade. The building provides student housing with single and double rooms while preserving its original architectural character.

The building was constructed in 1935 with a donation from the United Daughters of the Confederacy and originally housed female descendants of Confederate veterans. After years of campus discussion about its name, Vanderbilt University renamed it in 2016 to reflect a more inclusive approach to its history.

The structure represents evolving campus discussions about historical representations, leading to its name change from Confederate Memorial Hall to Memorial Hall in 2016.

The building sits in a central location on campus and is easy to find from the main pathways. Keep in mind that this is an active student residence hall, so interior access may be limited during regular academic hours.

Vanderbilt University had to pay a substantial settlement to finalize the building's legal name change after a court challenge. This unusual situation highlights the complicated legal landscape surrounding the renaming of structures tied to Confederate history.

Location: Nashville

Inception: 1935

Part of: removal of Confederate monuments and memorials

GPS coordinates: 36.14070,-86.79780

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06