The land was donated to the university by a branch of the DuPont family. Construction of the 400 MeV Nevis synchrocyclotron took place between 1947 and 1949. University president Dwight D. Eisenhower inaugurated the accelerator in June 1950. During its period of operation from 1950 until 1972, it was one of the world's most productive accelerators.[2]
Currently[when?] the laboratory specializes in the preparation, design, and construction of high-energy particle and nuclear experiments and equipment. These are transported to major laboratories worldwide. The lab also performs data analysis for these experiments.
The Nevis campus is crossed by the Croton Aqueduct, the first water tunnel supplying New York City and now a popular walking and cycling trail.[citation needed]
^Lederman, Leon; Teresi, Dick (2006). The God Particle: If the Universe is the Answer, What is the Question?. Boston: First Mariner Books. pp. 219–220. ISBN9780618711680.