Anthropology History
The Anthropology Building was originally constructed in 1952 to house the university's College of Law. Designed by Hitchcock and Hitchcock of Laramie, the building contained a library, offices, classrooms and mock courtrooms organized to support the traditional methods of teaching law.
The College of Law's growth in faculty and students made the 1966 remodeling necessary. By 1977, the college outgrew this building and moved to the new Law Building. The same year, the Department of Anthropology acquired the facility which now house the Department of Anthropology, the Anthropology Museum, the Office of the Wyoming State Archeologist, and the Archeology Division of the Wyoming Recreation Commission.
The stone and brick facade faces Ivinson Avenue on the south side of campus. The linearity of the building and the emphasis of the set-back entrance framed by the figures of justice related by Robert Russin provide an impressive facade suitable for both its original and new tenants. The exterior is crowned with a parapet faced with terra cotta in a formalized square pattern. Terra cotta frames the lower windows and blends well with the natural Wyoming sandstone. Square patterns in the brick work also reflect Renaissance revival traditions.
Centennial Celebration, September 27, 1986
