During the Summer of 1995, the University of South Dakota Archaeology Laboratory excavated on the grounds of Old Main, USD's oldest building. Old Main, once the center of University life, now sits abandoned in the middle of campus, awaiting renovation. Ol d Main was first University Hall, built in 1883. Fire swept the building in 1893.

University Hall Before and During the Fire

Restoration as Old Main, 1893-1895

Immediately after the fire, restoration of the building began, transforming it into the Old Main that was used until 1973. Fallling into disrepair, Old Main was used primarily for storage.

Fundraising to put Old Main back "on line" has taken the work of several USD Presidents, but became a central theme of President Betty Turner Asher's administration. Though fundraising still needs to be done, restoration will begin this Fall.

USD Archaeology Laboratory excavations provided an opportunity to learn a great deal about the history, architecture and usage of University Hall and Old Main. Follow the links to see what the achaeologists discovered.

Old Main Excavations