A piece of MSU’s historic first building unearthed (Michigan)
Routine sidewalk replacement has led to the discovery of part of the foundation of Michigan State University’s historic first building, College Hall.
The Campus Archaeology Program on Sept. 17 unearthed the northeast corner of the building’s stone-and-mortar foundation just south of the site where Beaumont Tower now stands.
Built in 1856 as the nation’s first building for the study of scientific agriculture, College Hall was plagued by defective construction and torn down after two walls collapsed in 1918. Today, the building’s image is featured on MSU’s official seal.
The discovery came after MSU Landscape Services, a division of Physical Plant, contacted the Campus Archaeology Program about plans to replace the sidewalk near Beaumont Tower. Construction was put on hold for a few days while team members conducted an excavation – and ultimately discovered the intact foundation a few feet underground.
Read entire article at MSU.EDU
The Campus Archaeology Program on Sept. 17 unearthed the northeast corner of the building’s stone-and-mortar foundation just south of the site where Beaumont Tower now stands.
Built in 1856 as the nation’s first building for the study of scientific agriculture, College Hall was plagued by defective construction and torn down after two walls collapsed in 1918. Today, the building’s image is featured on MSU’s official seal.
The discovery came after MSU Landscape Services, a division of Physical Plant, contacted the Campus Archaeology Program about plans to replace the sidewalk near Beaumont Tower. Construction was put on hold for a few days while team members conducted an excavation – and ultimately discovered the intact foundation a few feet underground.