Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, John Walker

We walk past it every day, but how often do we think about Stowe Hall’s history? Built in 1898, Robert Lee Stowe Hall has been a vital part of Belmont Abbey College’s campus as an academic building, a dining hall, a residence hall, and even more. Named for local entrepreneur Robert Lee Stowe, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Belmont Abbey College Historic District, having been added in 1993.

Construction began under Abbot Leo Haid and Brother Wolfgang Trexler in 1886, taking twelve years to complete the building. In those days, it was called the College Building. It was built directly attached to the monastery for ease of use by the monks. The building features a Gothic-style tower on its western side, while the front entrance features a neo-Classical portico.

In 1900, a fire burned through the inside of the College Building, destroying much of the inside. Work to restore the inside began immediately, and fundraising efforts helped return the building to its former state. Classes were able to be held in the building again the next academic year. As the college grew in the 20th century, the College Building was used for classes, dining, and residence. There was even a rifle range in the building at one point.

Eventually, the name was changed to Robert Lee Stowe Hall in 1983, honoring the textile magnate and Gaston County native. The Stowe family has been vital to the development of the town of Belmont and our college. Over 136 years since the beginning of its construction, Stowe Hall remains our main academic building and one of the most iconic buildings on campus.

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.