East Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Botanical Laboratory
Michigan State University
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017
1. Botanical Laboratory Marker
At this location, near the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden (1873), the Botanical Laboratory stood from 1879 until it burned on March 20, 1890. Watson and Arnold of Lansing designed this Gothic-inspired, wooden structure as the first botanical laboratory on campus. It also housed Professor Beal's botanical museum.
When the Botanical Laboratory burned, Professor Beal wanted the new botany building to be located in the center of campus, which would have been just west of Linton Hall. According to Professor Madison Kuhn, author of Michigan State's centennial history, President Oscar Clute (1889-1893) changed the delivery of the bricks for the second botany building to preserve the "sacred" space—an oak opening—where Michigan State University began.
For the second botany building, located on what is today West Circle Drive, there was an impressive cornerstone dedication on June 22, 1892. The cornerstone inscription, "Botany A.D. 1892," is still prominent. The current building name is Old Botany.
Erected by Michigan State University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is March 20, 1890.
Location. 42° 43.902′ N, 84°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. W.J. Beal Botanical Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walter Adams Field (about 400 feet away); Sleepy Hollow (about 400 feet away); Alice Cowles House (about 600 feet away); Alice B. Cowles House (about 600 feet away); Michigan State University (about 700 feet away); The Rededication of the Beaumont Tower Bells (about 700 feet away); The Spartan (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Lansing.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017
2. Image close-up
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017
3. Botanical Laboratory Marker
View looking to the east along eastbound West Circle Drive. The Beal Gardens gazebo is on the right and the Beal Botanical Garden is down the hill beyond the gazebo.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 285 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
