World’s Largest M

Four miles northeast of Platteville, a gigantic white “M” dominates the landscape. At 241 feet high and 214 feet wide, it is the world’s largest “M”.  Set at a 45-degree angle and facing south, the landmark proudly celebrates the region’s mining heritage.

The story began in 1924, when Platteville’s engineering club wanted to challenge the Colorado School of Mines. Colorado had already built an “M” on Mount Zion near its campus, and a friendly rivalry simmered between the schools. Platteville may not have enjoyed the same prestige, but its students were ready to make a mark—quite literally.

Then…nothing happened for 12 years. In the winter of 1936, engineering students Pat Medley and Alvin Knoerr revived the idea. They climbed Platte Mound and stamped a giant “M” into the snow. Winter weather preserved their handiwork long enough for people miles away to see it. The snowy prank was such a hit that, by the following year, plans were underway to make the “M” permanent.

With the landowner’s permission and the university’s support, students got to work. The project required an impressive 400 tons of limestone and was completed in 1937. The “M” has been maintained ever since, receiving periodic upgrades—including cement, lime, and fresh coats of whitewash—to keep it bright, bold, and impossible to miss.

The giant letter soon found its way into popular culture. It appeared in the May 23, 1949, edition of Life magazine and has been illuminated with can lights for special occasions. In November 1987, MTV put its own spin on the landmark when 650 students gathered on the mound to form the music channel’s logo. The “M” even helped Platteville become the only city in the country to host Disney’s Mickey’s Hometown Parade on July 4, 1998. To strengthen the city’s bid, members of the Platteville Jaycees recruited about 250 people, dressed them in black, and arranged them into Mickey Mouse ears beside the “M.” Apparently, when Platteville thinks big, it thinks several hundred volunteers big.

The “M” can be visited today all year long.  If you are brave you can climb the more than 200 stairs to the top.