On May 9, 1818, Eli Sawtell, from Hollis, New Hampshire, set out on an extraordinary journey—walking 1,100 miles to reach Maryville College to study under Isaac Anderson in the Appalachian frontier. Traveling along the Great Wagon Road, he arrived after seven weeks of relentless effort, becoming one of the College’s first students and a member of the first graduating class in 1825.

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Beginning April 1, we invite MC alumni, students, and friends to honor Eli’s perseverance by collectively logging 1,100 miles for the Sawtell Wagon Trail: A Race to Commencement. Walk or run at your own pace, track your progress, and help us retrace his inspiring journey before May 3, 2025—one step at a time.

 

Fittingly, the final mile will be completed by the Class of 2028, Maryville College’s 200th graduating class, as they make their ceremonial walk to Humphrey’s Courtyard for commencement exercises on May 3, 2025.