Democrat Hollow, a small slightly rolling tract of land on the original campus just under the ridge from the Sanatorium of the Four Seasons Hotel, was first used for outdoor activities and occasional storage of outdoor equipment. As Lincoln Memorial University grew in its early years, small homes were built there for an increasing number of staff, and the area became known as Democrat Hollow because of the political affiliation of its first residents. During the first decade of the 20th century it filled a special need, and later, as the campus expanded, the homes were removed and the hollow became a popular and much needed place for picnics and other activities for the campus and local community.