Summary
Van Hise Rock
State Highway 136, Rock Springs, Sauk County
Van Hise Rock is located in the Baraboo Range, 700 to 800 feet high hills that are of the remains of an ancient mountain chain that may have risen 1000 to 1600 feet above the surrounding plain. This monolith is an erosional remnant standing nearly 14 feet high and 6 feet wide. It is composed of two main vertical layers, pink quartzite and phyllitic quartzite. These two layers show evidence of cross bedding. Ripplemarks indicate the top of the original bedding.
Van Hise Rock was named for the pre-eminent 19th century geologist Charles Richard Van Hise. Van Hise became the student of the eminent geologist Roland Irving. Together they became the first Americans to conduct petrographic studies, and use new techniques to formulate important geological principles. They were also the first to study ancient crystalline rocks found in many mountain regions of the world, especially in Northern Wisconsin. Van Hise fully understood the complex structural geology of the area. He established the fundamental principles of structural geology, metamorphism and Precambrian rocks.
Van Hise Rock played a key role in the history of geology as Charles Van Hise used this remnant 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.
Property Details
| Criteria | Person,Event |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Science |
| Period of Significance | 1911-1947 |
| Architectural Style | No Style Listed |
| Architect | |
| Resource Type | Site |
| Historic Use | Natural Feature |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 0 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 1 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 1 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Sep 25, 1997 |
| Historic Status | National Historic Landmark Status Granted |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Sep 25, 1997 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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US Highway 12 approximately .85 miles north of Ski Hi Road and .25 miles south of Highway 159
10000345
Located in Town of Baraboo, Sauk County
Van Hise Rock
1950
Text on front reads: "Van Hise Rock, Rock Springs, Wis." The formation has a road along the base with trees growing above. Text on the reverse: "Rock Springs, Wis., Noted for Artesian Springs Amid ...
Van Hise Rock Historic Marker
State Highway 136, .75 miles N of State Trunk Hwy 154, Rock Springs
Van Hise rock to be marked June 3
May 13, 1923
Wisconsin State Journal
