Thomas Green Clemson’s will to be housed at Special Collections and Archives

The original will of Thomas Green Clemson - the document that led to the founding of Clemson University - will have a new home in Clemson's Special Collections and Archives.

The will was previously housed in Oconee County Probate Court in Walhalla, South Carolina, and Probate Court Judge Danny Singleton is signing a long-term loan to allow the will and several other papers related to Clemson's estate to be moved to Special Collections and Archives. The will will be displayed for public viewing in Spring of 2025, once a special case to house it is installed.

The loan of the will and other papers was initiated by Singleton, who thought this important piece of University history should be displayed on campus.

"Shortly after taking office as the Probate Judge, I had the opportunity to review Thomas Green Clemson's will and other contents. I was amazed at the detail of the will and its condition," Singleton said. "While reading the documents, I realized the significance of his will and the historical impact that Mr. Clemson not only had for this community but also for the state. Now, history shows us that Clemson University is known worldwide. It struck me that without the will of Thomas Green Clemson, there would be no Clemson University. I reached out to President Clements with the wish to share these documents with the University and possibly have them publicly displayed in a way that would continue the preservation and give the documents the respect they deserve."

Along with the will, Special Collections and Archives will also receive Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson's will and records that detail the contents of Fort Hill.

"Libraries, in general, keep the historical memories and archives of many institutions, so it makes perfect sense for the will and these other important documents to be stewarded by the Libraries," said Clemson Libraries Dean Chris Cox. "Our team in Special Collections and Archives has the expertise to appropriately display the will while also preserving it to ensure that it lives on in perpetuity for future generations."

Special Collections and Archives is located on the first floor of the Strom Thurmond Institute. The Archives preserves and makes accessible rare and unique archival collections with enduring research value.