University in Lafayette County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Hilgard Cut

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 1, 2023

1. Hilgard Cut Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1858 to accommodate University of Mississippi students, this railroad cut was named for Dr. Eugene W. Hilgard (1833-1916), its designer and engineer. A native of Bavaria, Hilgard served as State Geologist from 1855 to 1873. A pioneer in soils science, Professor Hilgard completed his career at the Univ. of California.

Erected 2000 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 34° 21.9′ N, 89° 31.82′ W. Marker is in University, Mississippi, in Lafayette County. It can be reached from University Avenue east of Grove Loop, on the left when traveling east. Marker is surrounded by foliage and difficult to see from the road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oxford MS 38677, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the North Mississippi Hills. It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: University High School (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lamar Hall (about 600 feet away); 2008 Presidential Debate (about 700 feet away); Society Of Professional Journalists Historic Site in Journalism

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Barnard Observatory (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Dead House" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ventress Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Documenting the Blues (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in University.

Also see . . . The digging of Hilgard Cut. Local slaveholders rented out their slaves to dig the cut by hand. Gertrude Ford Boulevard now runs through the cut underneath University Avenue. (Submitted on April 6, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 1, 2023

2. Hilgard Cut Marker

Hilgard Cut Marker (wider view) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 1, 2023

3. Hilgard Cut Marker (wider view)

Marker (above arrow) is difficult to see from the road.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 1, 2023

4. Hilgard Cut Marker

The marker is to the right of this entrance arch dated 1902.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 6, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.