Built in 1850. Restored in 1956. Placed on National Historic Register in 1972. Named Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Site in 1976.
Quote: Philanthropic Hall is one of the primary landmarks of the Davidson College campus. Built by a society that played a dominant role in the college from its founding, the structure has been used continuously for its original purpose. The wisdom of the early building committee in stipulating that there be a degree of freedom in the details of the two halls but that they be “alike in size and magnificence” is displayed in the pleasing relationship of the two facing buildings that complete the original
quadrangle. Like its companion structure, Philanthropic Hall exhibits the subtle play of simple, massive, classically-derived forms that characterized the best of the Greek Revival style.
- National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form. 29 November 1971. Philanthropic Hall Davidsoniana
file. Davidson College Archives.
Named for: Philanthropic Literary Society. The Society was formed in 1837.
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Mailing Address: Davidson College - E.H. Little Library, 209 Ridge Road, Box 5000, Davidson, NC 28035