Guide to Citadel Campus Names

Hugh S. Thompson (1836-1904)

• Citadel Class of 1856

Building

• Completed 1939
• Originally called the Physical Education Building
• The name Thompson Hall was recommended at a Board of Visitors meeting in December of 1962, and approved at the May 30, 1963 Board meeting.
• Rebuilt in 2001

"Physical Education Building for Hugh S. Thompson, class of 1856, twice elected governor of South Carolina, 1882-1884, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury 1886, Commissioner of U.S. Civil Service 1890.

Discussion:

The use of Governor Thompson's name does not fall within any special pattern (i.e., presidents, benefactors, or high ranking military officers), but his accomplishments set him apart to the extent that the committee members felt that it would be appropriate to name a building for him and that a nominally academic building would be the logical type to bear his identity.”

Citadel Board of Visitors meeting minutes, December 17, 1962