National Historic Landmark

Vassar College Observatory

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York
Listed
July 16, 1991
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
91002051

About this property

The Vassar College Observatory is an astronomical observatory of the private Vassar College, located near the eastern edge of the Poughkeepsie, New York college's campus. Finished in 1865, it was the first building on the college's campus, older even than the Main Building, with which it shares the status of National Historic Landmark. The observatory's significance is due to its association with Maria Mitchell, the first widely known female astronomer in the United States. As the college has built a new observatory on a hill near the edge of campus, the building is no longer used for astronomy. In 2008 it underwent a large restoration and renovation and now houses the offices of the education department and classrooms.

Location

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York
41.68831, -73.89332

Categories

EDUCATIONSCIENCE
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Nearby Historic Sites

Main Building, Vassar College
Industrial
0.1 mi
Rombout House
Industrial
0.6 mi
Freer House
Industrial
1.1 mi
Clark House
Industrial
1.2 mi
Ethol House
Industrial
1.2 mi

Questions about this property

When was Vassar College Observatory listed on the National Register?

Vassar College Observatory was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1991.

What type of historic resource is Vassar College Observatory?

Vassar College Observatory is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

Is Vassar College Observatory a National Historic Landmark?

Yes. Vassar College Observatory has been designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL), the highest level of federal recognition for historic properties in the United States.

What is the period of significance for Vassar College Observatory?

The period of significance for Vassar College Observatory is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Vassar College Observatory?

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