As the University of Wyoming’s official archive, the American Heritage Center is continuing our series on UW’s building history. We’re here to share the interesting tales behind some of UW’s treasured structures.
UW’s Geology Building is more than just a hub for learning about diverse minerals and geologic formations. It is an elegant piece of architecture, a historic landmark, and a showcase for natural science collections.
Construction of the building, then known as “Science Hall,” kicked off in the year 1900 – April 16th, to be precise. A cornerstone-laying ceremony, led by the Masonic Lodge of Wyoming, occurred on June 25th, marking the beginning of a tale that weaves together architecture, challenges, and the evolution of the Geological Museum.
On that June day, a procession marched from Laramie’s Masonic Hall on Second Street to the university. The “Kid band” led the way, followed by prominent Masonic leaders, city officials, and university dignitaries. They gathered around the building’s cornerstone to place a time capsule containing a masonic apron, local Masonic order proceedings, a UW catalog from 1899, Wyoming Experiment Station bulletins, photographs of UW, textbooks, and even a menu card from a society banquet. The cornerstone’s Latin inscription, “Per naturum ad Deum” (Through nature to God), added a touch of mystery and purpose.
The construction process had its share of drama as well. On Sept. 27, 1900, the Laramie Boomerang reported that a derrick fell on a worker’s foot, swelling it so badly it was difficult to tell if it was broken. A month later, on October 25, the Boomerang detailed another episode where a worker, under the influence of alcohol, engaged in a dispute with the contractor over wages. The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the worker attacking the contractor and inflicting a severe cut to his face.
Despite these difficulties, by December 1902, Science Hall, standing three stories high, became a reality, showcasing the craftsmanship of R.W. Bradley of Cheyenne. The Collegiate Gothic architecture, with its rectangular plans, pointed arches, and battlements added a timeless elegance.
With other University of Wyoming buildings facing a space crisis, the prospect of moving into the splendid new structure appeared promising. However, a significant hurdle emerged – the absence of a heating system during the harsh Wyoming winter. Consequently, the only initial occupants were the sizable fossils formerly housed in the Main Building (now Old Main). The lack of heating even led to the postponement of a planned reception scheduled for Science Hall’s grand opening in early January 1903.1 Fortunately, warmth eventually embraced the structure, allowing faculty to settle in and classes to begin on January 19, 1903.2
Despite its promise, Science Hall remained a beacon of adversity. Positioned at a considerable distance from other campus buildings, the new building forced students, staff, and faculty to navigate through snow, ice, dirt, and mud sans the luxury of sidewalks or walkways. The journey to and from this fine edifice became a testament to perseverance amid the elements.
Fast forward to 1920, when the growing needs of the Geology Department, together with the rising number of students, called for enlarging the structure. Science Hall was primed for that augmentation, a testament to the foresight of its designers.
In 1954, a final expansion phase saw Science Hall transform into the S.H. Knight Geology Building, solidifying its role as a hub for geological studies. This enhancement not only reshaped the building but also paved the way for a treasure trove of more than 8,000 specimens, including dinosaur skeletons, bird specimens, and minerals.
Before officially launching in 1956, the Geological Museum started as a modest collection under Professor J.D. Conley but flourished under the curatorship of Wilbur Knight and his assistant William Harlow Reed. Wilbur’s son Sam Knight, who later took the reins, added more exhibits. Dr. Samuel Knight’s metal dinosaur, standing at museum’s entrance since 1964, adds a unique touch to the building. The museum is open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into Wyoming’s natural history from Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Image ah001500, Photo File: Reed, William Harlow, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
As we walk through Science Hall, it’s not just about the building – it’s a living time capsule filled with the University of Wyoming’s history and passion for science.
Want to See More Historic Campus Moments?
Science Hall’s colorful construction story—from cornerstone ceremonies to construction mishaps—captures just one piece of UW’s fascinating building history. If you enjoyed learning about how this 1902 landmark came to life, you’ll love our virtual exhibit “Keeping History Alive: 136 Years of Progress.” We’ve collected historic photos that show campus life from the early days right up to more recent times, giving you a real sense of how the university has grown and changed around these historic buildings. For additional perspectives on campus development and architecture, explore our exhibit “University of Wyoming: A Brief History of Campus.”
1 Laramie Boomerang, January 17, 1903, p. 4.
2 Laramie Republican, January 19, 1903, p. 4.
What a wonderful piece! That story brings back many memories of my days as a graduate student in the late ’50s. “Even in those “late years” of the Geology Department, I still froze during those Laramie windy winters. And seeing the photographs of Samuel H. Knight in his early UW days likewise brought back recollections of taking one of his graduate classes, and marveling at his skill at blackboard drawings of landscape evolution: Face the board, draw with the right hand, continue moving across board, then erasing with the left! Wow, what a challenge to keep up!