The Iron Men of 1899

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Lighted Sculpture

In 1899, this misfit group of 13 men set out on a train trip through the South to play five games in six days.  Over the course of 2,500 miles, they played Texas A&M, Texas, Tulane, LSU, and Ole Miss, 4 of which we know of as Southern football dynasties today.  As a result, this trip and this group of men changed the game of football and brought back a sense of achievement and success to their rural liberal arts university.

The 1890’s were a rough time for the nation, and football provided comfort, entertainment, and a sense of achievement.

This astounding achievement invigorated this small university and helped ensure that Sewanee would survive and thrive as an institution of higher learning. It gave inspiration and hope to the Sewanee faithful. This team’s achievement stands as a towering monument in the history of college football and the survival
of the university.

Located on the campus of Sewanee: University of the South, this lighted sculpture represents true camaraderie and grit to remind viewers that although sometimes they may be an underdog, it is those times of strength in uncertainty that can change the trajectory of something
bigger than themselves.

The imperfect sandstone base represents the university itself during an uncertain time and is a nod to iconic sandstone buildings that sit on campus.

The iron poles that are housed in the sandstone represent each of the 13 men on the team.