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| Home > Visit the Preserve > Muir Knoll | ||
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Muir Knoll
Human History It should not be surprising that a spot such as Muir Knoll, with its
long views across Lake Mendota, would also have attracted Native Americans
here thousands of years ago. An archaeological survey in 2003 confirmed
that the knoll indeed had ancient visitors. Chert flakes, the rock
waste left behind by someone crafting a tool or perhaps a spearpoint,
In the 1910s the knoll was the location of an "Open Air Theater." This use only lasted a few years before a more elaborate outdoor theater was constructed in 1916 at the corner of Charter and Observatory Drive. During this period people referred to the knoll as "Story-Tellers Hill," since it served as the gathering place for university summer session "Folk Lore" meetings led by Charles. E. Brown. As you stand here, you might try imagining a quiet summer evening with Brown, a prominent archaeologist and the State Historical Society's museum director, as he shared vivid stories of the local Native American people and the early European-American settlers. 1918 DedicationThe site was renamed Muir Knoll in June 1918 at a formal dedication ceremony attended by Judge Milton S. Griswold—a schoolmate of Muir's who provided the future naturalist with his first lesson in botany under a black locust tree near North Hall. A red granite boulder engraved with the words "Muir Knoll" was placed at the site by the John Muir Walking Club at this time.
The Muir Knoll boulder is not the only stone marker at this site. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it was common for senior classes to erect memorials bearing the year of their graduation. Several of these markers can be seen near the edge of Observatory Drive. Over the years, some have complained that the assemblage of markers makes the area look a graveyard. Indeed, pranksters once planted a stolen tombstone here! At the north end of the knoll are several other memorial boulders, testaments to beloved professors and university supporters, notably Rasmus Bjorn Anderson and Thomas E. Brittingham Jr. The Ski Jump
In 1919 UW Athletic Director Tom Jones helped a group of students build a wooden ski jump atop Muir Knoll with the landing slide extending down the hill onto the lake (see photo at right). The sport gradually gained popularity among students, but the jump's deteriorating condition necessitated its removal in 1931. (The wooden planks from the first jump somehow made their way to a homecoming bonfire in 1930.) The newly-formed Hoofers Club promptly launched a campaign to replace the old jump with a permanent steel structure. Students volunteered their labor to regrade and improve the hill; the Memorial Union Board and the Class of 1932 between them contributed $1,000; and the Hoofers raised the balance through various money-raising projects and solicitations. The result was a professional ski jump 56 feet high and 108 feet long that was dedicated before 4,000 spectators in an impressive ceremony on February 11, 1933, followed by a competition between 50 of the best ski jumpers in the middle west. The Muir Knoll ski jump thereafter became an iconic symbol of the campus, much used by student jumpers and for hosting regional ski meets in the winter and, importantly, as a popular lake-viewing and nocturnal trysting spot throughout the year.
(Click to enlarge photo) This view from the bottom of the ski jump, taken just after construction was completed in 1920, gives a sense for the skill and daring required of athletes in this sport. The spectators in the lower left corner of the image are standing in the spot that today occupies the parking lot between the Hasler Limnology Lab and Water Science and Engineering Lab. If you return to this location today, and look up towards the top of Muir Knoll, you will notice that one of the legacies of the ski jump era is a disturbed slope that continues to erode. Soil compaction and tree removal that began over 85 years ago continues to affect the ecological stability of this area. This is but one of the many challenges faced by the Preserve as we work to enhance and restore this site. (Source: Ruud and Irion, photographers. UW Archives: box 289, series 23/16. CLP-A0138) Can you image the wonderful view of the lake enjoyed by the jumpers as they launched themselves off the 108 foot ramp? With any luck the jumpers would land on the slope beneath the overlook and glide effortlessly onto the frozen lake. At least, they hoped the lake was frozen... ROTC maneuversThe ski jump served an additional function during WWII — ROTC cadets used it as a mock military objective in training exercises. In 1942, the Wisconsin Alumnus reported the "spectacular maneuvers" during which:
The platoons attacked the objective from two directions, one platoon advancing through the underbrush of the heavily wooded Muir Knoll woods west of the ski jump hill and the other from the less protected area of Lincoln terrace. The ski jump was removed from Muir Knoll in 1957. It was re-erected and used for a time in the city's Hoyt Park, but is now only a distant and happy memory of early student activism.
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It was beneath a black locust tree, which stood near North Hall, the first building on campus, that John Muir, famous naturalist and preservationist, had his first botany lesson delivered by a fellow student in 1863. Here is Muir's account of the incident from his autobiography, The Story of My Boyhood Home and Youth:
Griswold went on to teach Muir about the interconnectedness of all plants. Muir was deeply moved by this revelation, saying later, "This fine lesson charmed me, and sent me flying to the woods and meadows in wild enthusiasm." The black locust at North Hall, which came to be called the John Muir Black Locust, was cut down in 1953. However, a young black locust on Muir Knoll across from North Hall, recalls this inspirational forbearer. Some tree experts suggest that since black locust trees are notorious for spreading asexually and sprouting new trees at some distance to the parent tree, that the tree on our walk is the "rebirth" of the original Muir Locust. What do you think? |
The story of the John Muir Black Locust has interest for us not just
because of its association with a famous person. There is a lesson to
note here about the many informal teaching and learning opportunities
that occur on our great campus. Recall that young 
John Muir received
his lesson from a fellow student-outside of a formal classroom setting.
While great lecture halls and advanced technology are essential to the
academic experience, we should not forget that students can—and
do—learn in many ways, from many teachers, in many places. The
Preserve offers us one more place where teaching and learning, both
formal and informal, can happen.
On the right side of this image is the John Muir Black Locust, at the edge of Observatory Drive. This picture was probably taken in 1953, around the time the locust was removed. The steel ski jump is visible across the road, nestled among the trees. (Source: UW Archives, box 344, series 24/14/04. CLP-A0107)
Read about the John Muir Black Locust, at the time of its removal. Source: News release regarding the Muir Locust, UW News Office, UW-Madison, Communications Office folder labeled, "Muir Woods," Oct. 1, 1953. download
Muir Knoll is just a few steps off the busy core of campus activity on Bascom Hill. Although the knoll no longer offers the thrills of a ski jump, visitors may still enjoy a pleasant stroll among the mature oaks, basswoods, and European larches that shade the lush lawn on the knoll. On any given day you'll usually find people lunching at the overlook or relaxing under a tree.
Just to the left of the overlook you'll find a rustic staircase and trail that will lead you to network of smaller trails throughout Muir Woods. If you follow the main path all the way down the slope, you will reach another set of stairs that lead to the eastern terminus of the Lakeshore Path. At the bottom of the stairs you will find a Nature Preserve information sign with a detailed map of the entire Preserve.
The 2006 Lakeshore Nature Preserve Master
Plan envisions a variety
of cultural and ecological 
enhancements that will improve visitor
experiences and protect resources. In particular, the plan calls for improved
vegetation management at the Muir Knoll overlook to maintain views out
across Lake Mendota.
Although specific plans are not outlined in the master plan for modifications to the plaza overlook at the north end of the knoll, university planners have developed initial concepts for refurbishing the seating and plaza structures.
Muir Knoll is among the easiest places in the Preserve to reach for even a brief respite from the bustling central campus.
By bus:
Campus bus #80 makes regular stops at the Observatory Drive entrance to the Muir Knoll.
By bicycle:
Muir Knoll is adjacent to Observatory Drive. Bicycle parking racks are available at nearby Bascom Hall.
By foot:
You can reach the knoll from the Lakeshore Path by ascending the stairs located on the wooded slope just to the west of the Hasler Limnology Lab. Alternatively the knoll can be reached by crossing over Observatory Drive on sidewalks leading from Bascom Hill.
By car:
Metered visitor parking stalls are available in the underground lot beneath Helen C. White Library (Lot 6) off Park Street. Please do not park in lots designated for permit parking.
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| 04/29/2008 |
To
learn more about the human history of Muir Knoll...