Clemson University Commemorative Gate Project
Commemorative Gate built for Clemson University — Woodland Cemetery
Honoring the Past, Forging the Future: Robert Thomas Iron Design’s Commemorative Gate for Clemson University
At Robert Thomas Iron Design, we’ve always believed that metalwork can do more than frame a view or secure an entrance — it can tell a story. One of our most meaningful projects to date brought that belief to life in a powerful way.
Clemson University commissioned us to design and fabricate a set of ornamental gates and fence panels for the entrance to Woodland Cemetery, adjacent to the iconic Memorial Stadium. What began as a call for craftsmanship evolved into a profound journey of remembrance, artistry, and healing.
The Significance of Woodland Cemetery
Woodland Cemetery holds a layered history. It has long been the final resting place for faculty members and the Calhoun family, for whom the campus estate was originally named. But in recent years, a transformative discovery reshaped the university’s understanding of the space.
Over the course of a five-year study using ground-penetrating radar, Clemson researchers uncovered the unmarked graves of approximately 500 African American individuals buried in the cemetery. These were the people who had worked the land, helped build the university, and lived their lives in its shadow — their stories buried, until now, quite literally beneath the surface.
In response, Clemson committed to memorializing this newly acknowledged chapter of its history. That’s when they reached out to us.
Designing a Symbol of Remembrance and Renewal
The university’s request was clear in its intent but open in its expression: to create a gate that would honor those buried in Woodland Cemetery — and do so with reverence, creativity, and symbolism.
Our design revolved around the theme of “three” — a nod to the three distinct groups buried in the cemetery: the Calhoun family, the faculty and official plot holders, and the recently discovered African American individuals.
From this theme grew a powerful visual language:
Three roots rise up through the fence, representing the shared foundation of the university.
These roots converge at the center of the gate, forming a Tree of Life — a universal symbol of growth, endurance, and connection.
At the top of the gates, the tree blossoms into hand-forged flowers, representing rebirth, dignity, and a hopeful future.
This motif of transformation — from root to branch to bloom — is echoed throughout the entire fence line. The symbolism is subtle but ever-present, reinforcing the story in every scroll, curve, and leaf.
Forged by Hand, Built to Last
Every element of this project was handcrafted in our shop. We forged hundreds of individual leaves and flowers, hand-textured the vines that weave through the pickets, and created a sense of organic movement throughout the structure. The scale of the work was immense — oversized fence panels and monumental gates demanded both strength and precision.
No expense was spared in doing the work justice. We even machined our own custom hinges, engineered from stainless steel with bronze bushings to accommodate the weight and scale of the gates. Our team designed and fabricated an entirely custom latching system to complete the functional and aesthetic vision.
For the finish, we chose a hot-dip galvanized coating, leaving the raw zinc exposed to the elements. This finish, which involves dipping the entire structure in an 800-degree bath of molten zinc, offers unparalleled corrosion resistance. After galvanization, we sanded and polished the zinc surface to accelerate its natural patina. Over the years, this finish will continue to weather and mature — just like the story the gate represents.
The Unveiling: A Moment of Pride
The unveiling ceremony was a powerful moment for our team. Held on-site at Woodland Cemetery, it was attended by university leadership, including Clemson’s President, the Head of African American Studies, faculty members, and members of the Board of Trustees. Seeing their reaction — the emotion, the pride, the connection to the work — was humbling and deeply rewarding.
For us, this project wasn’t just about metal. It was about bearing witness to history, helping tell a story that had been silenced, and forging something that would stand in public view for generations.
A Triumph of Craft, Purpose, and Collaboration
We are profoundly proud of the work we did for Clemson University. It challenged us technically, emotionally, and artistically. From concept to installation, it was a collaboration rooted in respect and driven by the desire to make something beautiful, meaningful, and enduring.
To our friends at Clemson, thank you for entrusting us with this work. And to those buried at Woodland Cemetery — may these gates honor your lives, your labor, and your legacy.
Robert Thomas Iron Design — Forging meaning into metal.