|
Shattuck Observatory is the oldest scientific building on campus. Many astronomy classes use the observatory and it has open hours for the public. Dartmouth also shares two modern observatories in Kitt Peak, Arizona with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Michigan.
 College Park
- The Samuel C. Bartlett Tower was built in 1885-95. When the tower is open the circular stairway leads to a spectacular view of the area.
- The Robert Frost Statue, a gift of the Class of 1961, stands near Bartlett Tower. It is a cast bronze, life-size portrait by renowned sculptor George Lundeen. It depicts Frost, a member of the Class of 1896, seated on a large block of New Hampshire granite.
The BEMA
Originally the site for commencement exercises, the BEMA was cut from natural rock and modeled after Pnyx, the assembly place of classic Athens. The BEMA is called the Big Empty Meeting Area.
"The Lone Pine Above Her…"
Next to Bartlett is a carefully preserved tree stump. When Eleazar and his workers cleared a space for the College, they found one pine tree that was noticeably different from the others. While the others were 'arrow-straight', there was one whose trunk and main branch were bent and twisted, as if from wrestling with the winter weather. Eleazar thought the tree symbolized his new college's struggle for survival and the `Lone Pine' entered Dartmouth lore. It can be seen on the flag flying on the Green. Also, the weathervane atop Baker Tower depicts Eleazar teaching his first class under it. The tree was struck in 1887 and fell in 1892. In the late 1800's, Bartlett Tower was built next to the stump to the same height as the former pine.
Returning to College Street, continue towards the Green. On your left is Wheeler Residence Hall and Rollins Chapel. On your right is Webster Hall, home of the Rauner Special Collections Library.
|
