Erected in the ante-bellum period, the Arch was modeled after the great seal of Georgia. Originally part of an iron fence, it could be closed by two iron gates which have since disapeared. Over the generations the Arch has become one of the primary symbols of the University of Georgia and has been the gateway between the University and the city of Athens. Until recent years, the tradition was that freshmen were forbidden to walk underneath it. This custom lingers somewhat even today. 

The Arch Print was presented to his Excellency, Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, upon his visit to the University of Georgia on May 3, 2008. Presented by Dr. Arnett C. Mace, Jr., Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.