On the trail of Roy Chapman Andrews – Beloit WI
The birthplace, childhood home, and final resting place of one of the most celebrated explorers of the 20th century.
(1) Andrews Birthplace
(private residence)
419 St. Lawrence Avenue
Andrews was born at this house on January 26, 1884, the second child of Charles and Cora Chapman Andrews. At the time, the home was on the western edge of the City of Beloit. Beyond lay the “fields and woods and rushing streams” that Andrews explored in his youth.
(2) Beloit College and the Logan Museum of Anthropology
Andrews studied at public schools and the Beloit Academy before entering Beloit College in 1902. He graduated from the college in 1906 with a major in English. Among other courses he took at Beloit College were archaeology and evolution, unusual subjects for the day, which were taught in conjunction with the school’s Logan Museum of Anthropology (founded in 1893). The museum, located at the corner of College and Bushnell streets, is open to the public except Mondays and holidays.
(3) Surrounding Countryside
A driving tour beyond Beloit offers a glimpse of the countryside that served as laboratory to Andrews during his youth. Follow 6th Street/CountyD/Afton Road northwest out of Beloit to visit Big Hill Park (on your right), Bass Creek (turn right on Bass Creek Road), and the Rock River (head east on Townline Road). On March 31, 1905 Andrews nearly drowned in this area during a boating outing with a college professor (who did drown) on the flood-swollen river. The site of their accident is located on privately held land on the east bank of the Rock River just north of the Townline Road bridge.
(4) Andrews’ Grave
Oakwood Cemetery, Clary Street and Milwaukee Road
After Andrews died on March 11, 1960, his remains were cremated and buried on the Chapman family plot of his hometown, as he had requested. Others resting nearby include his parents, grandparents, and sister Ethelyn. To find his grave, enter the cemetery from Clary Street. Follow the driveway on the left of the cemetery office straight back (north) until it reaches the fenced boundary of the cemetery. (Strong Avenue lies beyond.) The Chapman plot is directly left (west) of this point and is marked by a stone obelisk.
