During the process of setting up a hammock, workers at Michigan State University made an unintended discovery – the remains of a building that dates back over a century.

As part of their tasks this summer, employees from MSU’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities were engaged in the installation of hammock posts.

In the course of their work, they encountered a resilient and impenetrable surface buried deep within the ground.

Prompted by this finding, the IPF contacted the Campus Archaeology program at MSU, WLNS reported.

After a thorough investigation involving a comparison with historical maps, campus archaeologists were able to confirm that the uncovered structure was none other than MSU’s inaugural observatory.

Erected in 1881, this observatory was situated behind what is presently known as Wills House on the university campus.

It was conceived and built by Professor Rolla Carpenter, an alumnus of MSU’s Agriculture College, who had graduated in 1873.

Today, the MSU observatory occupies a different location, at the intersection of Forest Road and College Road.

Equipped with a 24-inch telescope, it serves as a hub for both undergraduate and graduate research endeavors.

Additionally, the observatory opens its doors for free public observation nights, allowing enthusiasts to engage with the wonders of the cosmos.

Written by staff