5 things you may not know about “The Loveliest Village on the Plains”
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When most people think of Auburn, they tend to picture the Jordan-Hare stadium, trees rolled on Toomer’s Corner, or the university’s lovable mascot, Aubie.
We’ve collected some unique facts about Auburn you may not know yet — check them out below!
“The Loveliest Village on the Plains” nickname
Do you know why Auburn is called “The Loveliest Village on the Plains?” The nickname originates from a poem written by Oliver Goldsmith, called “The Deserted Village.” The first line from this 1770 poem even includes the name Auburn, which was the inspiration behind the name of the town today.
From Macon County to Lee County
When John J. Harper first founded the town of Auburn in 1836, it was a part of Macon County. It wasn’t until three years later, in February 1839, that Auburn became incorporated into Lee County.
Chewacla State Park
The beautiful state park we know and love today was the result of a public work project organized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. In addition to clearing trails, the Civilian Conservation Corps even created a lake.
A university of many names
Before Auburn University was Auburn University, it was called East Alabama Male College in 1856. In 1872, it changed to the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, and in 1899, the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. It wasn’t until 1960 that it officially became Auburn University!
Toomer’s Drugs
Toomer’s Drugs, the home of Auburn’s beloved lemonade, has been around since 1896. Back then, true to its name, it was a drugstore owned by Sheldon “Shel” Toomer, a halfback on Auburn’s very first football team.
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