A Brief History of Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston

Ask what is distinctive about the College of Charleston and the majority of responses will mention Randolph Hall at the Cistern on the main campus. “It's that building with a double staircase up the front.”

Randolph Hall is proudly situated on the original campus as the architectural face of the college and has the distinction of being the oldest of the three structures at the heart of the campus. It also was the first constructed for the purpose of teaching. Architect William Strickland designed the hall and saw it completed in 1829. It was enlarged in 1850 as part of a campus expansion at the direction of the architect EB White who added the six columns that make its facade so notable.

The Cistern, which sits in front of the hall, was completed in 1857 for flood control and water supply for firefighting. The cistern yard has Porter’s Lodge (1850) and the Towell Library (1850) named after its 1934 alumnus, EB Towell. The walled area around the cistern is known for the college graduation ceremonies taking place on Mother's Day. Over the years the commence exercises have utilized walkways over the cistern and the double staircase on the face of Randolf Hall for the processional of students receiving their diplomas.

The college has grown from an all-male class of 6 in 1794 to more than 10,000 including all races and genders. Randolph Hall has had a number of changes to its structure – both by design and by disaster. The whole by virtue of its longevity and physical integrity reflects the efforts of its namesake, College President Harrison Randolph -- who served the school for 48 years from 1897 - 1945. During his tenure, Randolph began the modern building program that has seen The College grow to more than 100 structures. His presidency opened the doors for the first time to women (13 in total) in 1918. Randolph managed the municipal college with just the tuition of students, alumni donations and City of Charleston funding.

Today, The College of Charleston has transitioned to be part of the state higher education system as a highly regarded liberal arts and science college. It still retains its historic stature as the oldest college south of Virginia and the 13th oldest in the United States.

The class membership. The columns and stones. The deep-rooted educational context of the building and surrounding buildings. Regardless of all the history and architecture, the most impressive view of Randolph Hall is from the seats placed inside the Cistern Yard that enable a parent to proudly watch as their graduate receives their diploma as reward for hard work and perseverance.

~ David Joyner