Van Hise Rock
WI 136, 0.75 mi. N of WI 154, Rock Springs, Wisconsin
A monolith of Baraboo Quartzite, a destination for geologists and students from around the world
Photos
Van Hise Rock Looking North
Photo taken by J.R. Manning in October 2015
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Map
Coordinates:
+43.48938, -89.9154243°29'22" N, 89°54'56" W
Quadrangle map:Rock Springs
Description
This small outcrop provides an inordinate amount of geologic information about metamorphism, Precambrian rocks, and structural geology, all subjects to which Charles Van Hise, for whom the rock is named, made early and significant contributions. Van Hise Rock is still used regularly by universities to train geology students. -- National Historic Landmark statement of significance, September 25, 1997
Significance of Van Hise Rock
Written by the National Register of Historic Places, 1999
Solitary outcrop of Baraboo quartzite which is for scientists the single most famous geological feature in the Baraboo Hills; this feature played a key role in the history of geology as Charles Van Hise (q.v.) used it to interpret the major structural features of the metamorphosed Precambrian rocks of the entire Wisconsin River Valley, or Baraboo District. It has long served and continues to serve as a hands-on field laboratory for professional geologists and students, and was recognized as a national historic landmark in 1999 with a formal dedication and roadside marker.
--From the National Register of Historic Places
National Register information
- Status
- Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on September 25, 1997
- Reference number
- 97001267
- Area of significance
- Science
- Level of significance
- National
- Evaluation criteria
- B - Person; A - Event
- Property type
- Site
- Historic function
- Natural feature
- Current function
- Natural feature
- Periods of significance
- 1925-1949; 1900-1924
Update Log
- October 19, 2015: Updated by J.R. Manning: Updated Status and Added Photos
- June 28, 2010: Essay added by J.R. Manning