Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series about the stories behind the names of buildings on campus. Look for articles on other buildings in upcoming issues of the Daily.

Barton Hall has provided residence to many students at Iowa State University since 1918. What was originally an all-girls dormitory became a coed residence hall last year and has the capacity to house 98 students.

Barton Hall is located east of the Memorial Union in Old Richardson Court Association.

According to “The Iowa State University Campus and its Buildings” by H. Summerfield Day, the hall’s original name was South Hall and was changed to Clara Barton Hall in 1928.

Clara Barton, founder and first president of the American Red Cross, was born Dec. 25, 1821, and died April 12, 1912.

Barton was one of the first civilians to gather supplies for the Army during the Civil War. She also served as a nurse during the war.

In 1864, Barton became superintendent of the Department of Nurses for the Army of the James and nearly lost her life twice when shell fragments tore her clothes.

Once the war was over, Barton led efforts to find missing prisoners.

Barton got the idea for the Red Cross while working during the Franco-Prussian War. She returned to the United States and appealed to three presidents to form the American Red Cross.

The First American Red Cross chapter was established in 1881 in Dansville, N.Y.

Rumor has it Barton Hall is haunted with the ghost of Clara Barton. Dana Weeda, a senior in agriculture education and a resident assistant in Barton Hall, said she has heard Barton is supposed to be a nice ghost.

If someone waves and says hello to her portrait in the parlor, she will supposedly take care of the person, Weeda said.

Weeda, who lived in Barton last year as well, said she has not seen a ghost but enjoys living in Barton.

“It’s very quiet, has a friendly environment and has distinctive rooms,” Weeda said.