The Sphinx is a collegiate senior society for male students at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Founded in 1885, it was the first senior society established at the college. The society is known for the Sphinx Tomb, its Egyptian Revival style building designed by architect William M. Butterfield in 1903. The Sphinx Tomb was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
History
right|thumb|1923 proposed addition to Sphinx Hall
In 1885, the Sphinx was founded as a senior-class society at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire by fourteen male students of the class of 1886. It was the first senior society at Dartmouth. Initially, the group met at Thornton Hall on Saturday nights. The main criteria used to select members is community leadership.
Sphinx Tomb
The Sphinx Tomb was constructed in 1903 on East Wheelock Street. It was designed by Manchester architect William M. Butterfield was inspired by the Temple of Dendur. In 1923, a significant addition was planned for the Sphinx Tomb; however, the proposed addition was never constructed. The tomb is owned by the Sphinx Alumni Association and serves as its headquarters.
In 2003, two unidentified males broke into the Sphinx Tomb by forcing open its side door and several interior doors. This incident was unusual because the break-in was successful; attempts are made to enter the Sphinx tomb at least once a year.