June 13, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — "Like The Duck and Marvin's, one of the unique DePauw
landmarks near and dear to alumni hearts is the Columbian Boulder,
located on the west side of historic East College in the middle of
campus," notes the Banner-Graphic in a story marking the 119th anniversary of the arrival of the boulder on campus. "Brought to campus on June 8, 1892, the boulder was placed near the main
entrance to East College. At the urging of former Prof. John Clark
Ridpath, it was put on display originally to mark the 400th anniversary
of Columbus' first voyage to the New World."
According to the newspaper, "Purchased by a few alumni, it was brought to Greencastle by the Monon Railroad and a 26-horse house-moving wagon, the book adds. Over the years, the Columbian Boulder became a favorite gathering place on campus for couples meeting for chapel dates and honorary societies holding initiation rituals, as well as the more nefarious Boulder Runs."
Read more here.
Also available is this summary marking the boulder's arrival.