Union’s architecture reflects its historic status. The school has inspired alumni older the electrical grid to now to do great things with great responsibility.

From always-mentioned-first Nott Memorial–one of the country’s few 16-sided buildings–to an expert layout that influenced that of the University of Virginia, Union’s looks are purposeful products of and, sometimes literally, wind behind, a proud past and strong future.

So one would expect a good and significant reason that the fence between Fox and Davidson Hall was painted black this week. Summarizing my reporting chronologically, I intend to support that the paint honors President Lincoln.

The Concordiensis noticed someone between the identical dorms early as 2 p.m. Thursday, painting black the once-bare metal fence. I tried reaching conversation distance of the painter to investigate the change, but fumes were strong and yelling seemed rude, so I thought to try later. As luck would have it, that was the last I saw of the painter, but I kept on the case when I could. My best answer is arithmetical.

The fenced site’s tiles are 61 by 15. 61×15=915. There are four lamp posts there too. 915×4=3660. 3660-1795 (Union’s first year) =1865, when the Civil War ceased. This alone may seem too easy until one connects the dots. Union has many Civil War alumni connects, from Old Chapel’s plaque to then-Secretary of State William Seward. Alum Phineas Gurley, the Lincolns’ spiritual advisor, gave Abe’s funeral sermon.

All found evidence shows that Union, with strong 1800s political connections, saw fit to honor Lincoln with a black fence. This seems just another grand step in Union’s journey.