The Robert M. Cooper Library has served generations of students. First opened in 1966, it is now home to more than 1.3 million volumes.

Other beloved landmarks on Clemson’s campus include the Clemson Bur Oak, the SC Botanical Gardens, and Fort Hill, former home of John C. Calhoun.

At 66-feet tall, with branches that reach 124 feet, this record-setting bur oak was just a seedling when Clemson was founded 120 years ago. Based on age studies conducted by foresters, the tree was designated the Centennial Oak when the university celebrated its 100th birthday in 1989. Bur oaks normally live 150-300 years.

The Centennial Oak is also one of South Carolina’s “Champion Trees,” a designation that means it’s the largest of its species in the state. Champion trees are determined by precise measurements of a tree’s trunk circumference, height, and average crown spread.

South Carolina also has 14 National Champion Trees including the largest loblolly pine and the largest swamp tupelo in the country, both located in Congaree National Park in Richland County. The National Champion rosebay rhododendron is in Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, and the country’s largest winged elm is at the Savannah River Site near Aiken.

Learn more about other renowned South Carolina Trees.

Gary writes: “This is the John C Calhoun House, known as Fort Hill, located on the campus of Clemson University. Calhoun’s son-in-law, Thomas Clemson, gave the land to the state in the late 1800s.”

The areas of the plantation open for public viewing include the house, Calhoun’s office, a reconstructed kitchen, a partially restored spring, and a beautiful lawn.

See a picture of the Calhoun House in Abbeville.

These colorful photos highlight the tall tower of Tillman Hall, which serves as a sort of “town clock” for both Clemson University and the town that surrounds it.

SCIWAY contributor Gary Dubose notes that “Tillman Hall, built in the 1890s, is the classic symbol of Clemson University. The building is named for Ben Tillman, the governor of South Carolina who (along with Thomas Clemson) was instrumental in the founding of what was then Clemson College.”

Dubose adds, “The interior of the building has been rebuilt a couple of times. The first was after it was gutted by a fire only a few years after being constructed. The second time was in the 1980s when the building was extensively renovated.”

DuBose, who hails from Seneca, is a Clemson alum and chemistry teacher at nearby Daniel High. Since his wife works at the university, he visits the campus a good bit and says it is one of his favorite places to walk and take photos.

Gary writes: “Built in 1802, Old Stone Church is one of the older structures remaining in Upstate South Carolina. Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens, namesake of Pickens County is buried here. Still in use today, the cemetery is also the final resting place for several of the photographer’s relatives.”

To see additional photographic details of Old Stone Church, see the site’s listing in The National Register of Historic Places here.

This public garden offers 295 acres of adventure, with walking paths that wind through woodlands and beside streams. There are also greenhouses and beds for special collections such as wildflowers, camellias, hostas, and heritage plants. Dedicated in 1992, the SC Botanical Gardens are open from dawn until dusk every day of the year and admission is free.

The Fran Hanson Discovery Center, seen at the end of the winding road above, serves as the garden’s visitor center.

Not only are the gardens beautiful, but they also serve as an outdoor classroom. Ongoing research projects help us better understand plant breeding, water conservation, pesticide reduction, turf-grass management, and sustainable and heirloom vegetable production.