Lafayette in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Dr. Edwin L. Stephens

University President 1900 - 1938

Photographed By Mike Waldon, December 17, 2017

1. Dr. Edwin L. Stephens Marker

Inscription. Following its establishment in 1898, Dr. Edwin Lewis Stephens became the University's first president in 1900 at the age of 27. He transformed an empty sugar cane field into a respected institution of higher learning. On January 1, 1901, he planted live oak trees on the new campus near this location. Over the years, acorns from these oaks were gathered and the seedlings they produced were planted across the growing campus. Dr. Stephens served as president for 38 years and the oaks have become a symbol of the University's strength and confidence in the future.

"To my mind, the live oak is the noblest of all trees, the most to be admired for its beauty, most to be cherished and venerated for its age and character, and most to be loved with gratitude for its beneficence of shade for all generations of man within its vicinity." - Dr. Edwin L. Stephens

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1901.

Location. 30° 12.994′ N, 92° 1.136′ W. Marker is in Lafayette, Louisiana, in Lafayette Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Johnston Street (U.S. 167) and East University Avenue (Business U.S. 90), on the left when traveling south on Johnston Street. Statue and marker are near Girard Hall on the UL campus and visible from

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the street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lafayette LA 70504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1898-1899 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1900-1909 (about 400 feet away); 1920-1929 (about 500 feet away); 1910-1919 (about 500 feet away); 1930-1939 (about 500 feet away); 1940-1949 (about 500 feet away); 1950-1959 (about 600 feet away); 1980-1989 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lafayette.

Dr. Edwin L. Stephens Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Waldon, December 17, 2017

2. Dr. Edwin L. Stephens Statue

Photographed By Mike Waldon

3. Dr. Edwin L. Stephens Marker

Following Mardi Gras

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2017, by Mike Waldon of Lafayette, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 546 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Mike Waldon of Lafayette, Louisiana. 3. submitted on February 17, 2018, by Mike Waldon of Lafayette, Louisiana. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.