Photo courtesy of Michigan State University Archives and Historical CollectionsThe Historic Circle is located at the center of Michigan State University's North Campus. The space includes several key landmarks such as Beaumont Tower and Cowles House and marks the location of College Hall, the first building build on campus. In addition to these landmarks, the site is home to many mature trees that contribute to the landscape and highlight the circle's historic importance to the MSU community.
The trees on this ground have grown alongside the university, many planted in the late 1800s and early 1900s as the university's landscape developed, witnessing generations of students walking beneath their shade. This green space is also home to one of the oldest trees on campus - the Resilient Oak, a white oak that had the top portion of the tree removed about 100 years ago and is estimated to be between 375 and 400 years old.
As it has in the past, the Historic Circle continues to serve the daily lives of Spartans. As a central gathering space, students meet to relax and study beneath the shade of the trees. Today, this landscape still supports biodiversity while demonstrating Michigan State University's long tradition of environmental stewardship.
Photo courtesy of Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Photo courtesy of Sophia Saliby
Photo courtesy of Derrick Turner, University Communications and Marketing