Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

The Oval

University of Montana Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

1. The Oval Marker

Inscription. Professor Frederick Scheuch and first university President Oscar Craig created the original campus master plan in 1895. The plan specified that the entrances of all immediate and future campus buildings were to face the center of a large oval. Ovals were a formal element commonly used in landscape design of the late nineteenth century, especially on academic campuses. Although only Main Hall and Science Hall (razed in 1984) were placed exactly according to the Craig-Scheuch plan, the beautifully landscaped Oval, surrounded by its eclectic collection of early buildings, remains a focal point of the campus.

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 51.616′ N, 113° 59.119′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on Campus Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32 Campus Drive, Missoula MT 59812, United States

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of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: University of Montana World War (I) Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Rankin Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); University Library 1908-1923 (within shouting distance of this marker); First Architect (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Women's Hall (about 300 feet away); University Hall (about 300 feet away); Nobel Laureate (about 400 feet away); The Heart of Campus (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

More about this marker. This marker is located on the University of Montana campus. See https://www.campus-maps.com/umt/ for an interactive campus map.

The Oval and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

2. The Oval and Marker

The marker is affixed to the large rock at the left side of the photograph.

The Oval, center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

3. The Oval, center

University Hall in the background.

The Oval Trees image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

4. The Oval Trees

In 1896, a double row of trees was planted around the Oval. Over the years, weather and old age eliminated many of those original trees. Some trees were replaced and in 2013 the UM Alumni Association undertook an effort to restore the entire Oval to its previous grand appearance. In cooperation with the State Arboretum Committee, the Alumni Association solicited donors who stepped forward to sponsor Oval trees. UM is grateful to the following list of donors, some historic and some contemporary, who have generously contributed to the refurbishing of the much love UM Oval.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 827 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 6, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.