S.H.
Knight Geology Building; Earth Sciences Building (ESB);
UW Geological Museum; Wyoming Geological Survey
In 1883, Wilbur Knight was appointed the University of Wyoming's first professor of geology. By 1896, he was joined by William H. Reed, a veteran fossil hunter who collected dinosaur remains for the university's paleontology museum. In 1899, in response to the growing importance of the sciences on campus, a mill levy was authorized by the Wyoming State Legislature to fund a new science hall. The project was completed in 1902.
Representing the Beaux Arts tradition, the French chateauesque building, now the west wing, incorporates many architectural elements. These elements include a randomly coursed, rock-face ashlar finish; a gabled entryway flanked by buttresses featuring gothic style weatherings; and pilasters topped with crocketed pinnacles and sculpted decorative floral motifs. Five symmetrical bays are capped with wall dormers featuring crocketed pinnacles. In 1954 the Cheyenne architectural firm of Porter and Bradley designed new additions and incorporated compatible cladding and architectural design elements on the addition facades and entrance. Wyoming's prized paleontological collections continue to be housed in the Geological Museum. In 1958, the building was designated the S. H. Knight Building after the university's nationally recognized geology professor who was also Wilbur Knight's son.
Centennial Celebration, September 27, 1986
