Exploring Sewanee, the University of the South,TN

The University of the South — affectionately known as Sewanee — sits atop the Cumberland Plateau on a breathtaking expanse called The Domain. Spanning 13,000 acres, this landscape of forests, bluffs, and rolling mountain terrain lies in the southern section of the Appalachian Plateau, just west of the Appalachian Mountains. Spring is an especially magical time to visit, and that’s when we explored the campus — everything was lush, blooming, and impossibly beautiful.

Sewanee is home to the College of Arts and Sciences and The School of Theology, along with the School of Letters, a summer master’s program. Its origins date back to 1856, when ten southern Episcopal dioceses envisioned building a university in the mountains. The Civil War and financial hardship delayed construction, but by 1868 Sewanee held its first convocation with just three buildings. Over time, the campus blossomed into a collection of Gothic‑style structures spread across 1,000 acres — stone towers, arched windows, and soaring chapels that feel lifted from an English cathedral town.

Today, Sewanee is recognized as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts universities, owned by 28 Episcopal dioceses and governed by a board of directors. Its campus is often named among the most beautiful in the United States, and I wholeheartedly agree. Wandering through The Domain felt like stepping into a storybook — quiet pathways, historic architecture, and sunlight filtering through old trees.

The highlight of my visit was stepping inside All Saints’ Chapel. Its stained‑glass windows were mesmerizing — jewel‑toned light spilling across the stone interior, creating a serene and reverent atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe, and simply admire.

If you’re ever near Chattanooga, I highly recommend stopping at Sewanee. It’s peaceful, historic, and visually stunning — a campus that invites you to slow down and explore.

If You Go

Stroll The Domain — Miles of wooded trails, quiet roads, and scenic overlooks.
Visit All Saints’ Chapel — Don’t miss the stained‑glass windows and Gothic architecture.
Explore campus architecture — Stone buildings, towers, and arches make every turn photogenic.
Stop at the University Bookstore — A great place for souvenirs and local information.
Hike nearby trails — The Perimeter Trail, Greens View, and Morgan’s Steep are local favorites.
Plan a spring visit — Blooms and mild weather make the campus even more stunning.
Explore nearby scenic stops — Waterfalls, overlooks, and forest trails surround the area.