Tappan Square

Tappan Square, named after Arthur Tappan, a 19th-century abolitionist who was instrumental in keeping the College financially solvent in its early years, is the center of the College and town of Oberlin. The 13-acre site is bounded by College, Main, Lorain and Professor streets.

Legend has it that the founders stopped at an elm tree in the southeast corner, prayers and decided that it was the place to build their community. The historic elm stayed on the square until disease forced its removal in 1965.

Originally known as "the Campus," several College buildings were built on the square and over time removed at the bequest of 1885 alumnus Charles Martin Hall, inventor of the commercial process for aluminum production, who wanted a landscaped open, park-like area. In addition to a tree-planting program to help the square retain its sense of nature, the only structures in the area are the Clark Bandstand, built in 1984 after a national design competition and often the scene for many concerts during the summer, and the Memorial Arch, which serves as the backdrop to Commencement ceremonies.

Tappan Square became a National Historic Landmark in 1966. In honor of Hall and his contributions to science and to the college, for their 40th anniversary, his classmates financed an aluminum plaque that was set in the brick walkway in the center of Tappan Square.