The fountain on Westcott Plaza was a gift of the classes of 1915 and 1917; the original fountain graced the main entrance to the campus for over 70 years. In the summer of 1988, when the original structure began to fail, the historic fountain was replaced with an exact replica.

Westcott Gate serves as the main entrance to the University. It was built in 1916 and given to the University by the classes of 1916 and 1918. Until 1947, the iron arch between the main piers that now reads "Florida State University", read, "Florida State College for Women." More than any other structures on campus, Westcott Building, gate and fountain have come to symbolize Florida State University.

The commemorative brick plaza that surrounds the fountain originated as a project of the classes of 1996 and 1997. It was constructed in 1998 with donations from alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University.