National Historic Landmark

Cincinnati Observatory Building

Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio
Listed
March 3, 1980
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
80003043

About this property

The Cincinnati Observatory, known locally as Mt. Lookout Observatory, is located in Cincinnati, Ohio (United States) on top of Mount Lookout. It consists of two observatory buildings housing an 11-inch (28 cm) and 16 inch (41 cm) aperture refracting telescope. It is the oldest professional observatory in the United States. It was a key facility for astronomical research and education at the University of Cincinnati, which currently owns the observatory. It currently operates as a 19th-century observatory. There are regular viewings through both historical telescopes as well as tours and additional programs. The observatory also has an extensive outreach program, providing astronomical education for the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana region. The Cincinnati Observatory is a contributing property to the Observatory Historic District.

Location

Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio
39.14287, -84.42264

Categories

ARCHITECTURE
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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Overview
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The Land
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Geology
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Conflict & War
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The Civil War
The Civil War on this ground, 1861 to 1865: who held it, and the battles, camps and regiments nearby.
The Soldiers
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Native Heritage
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Settlement
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The Community
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Rivers & Rail
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Notable People
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Finds & Access
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Literature
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Spotlight
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Nearby Historic Sites

Observatory Historic District
Listed
0.3 mi
Hyde Park Methodist Episcopal Church
Industrial
0.7 mi
Twentieth Century Theatre
Civil War
0.8 mi
La Tosca Flats
Civil War
1.1 mi
Weston, John Henry, House
Industrial
1.2 mi

Nearby Battles

Morgan's Raid – Southgate and Newport, Ohio Crossing
1863Civil War
4.9 mi

Questions about this property

When was Cincinnati Observatory Building listed on the National Register?

Cincinnati Observatory Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 3, 1980.

What type of historic resource is Cincinnati Observatory Building?

Cincinnati Observatory Building is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

Is Cincinnati Observatory Building a National Historic Landmark?

Yes. Cincinnati Observatory Building 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 Cincinnati Observatory Building?

The period of significance for Cincinnati Observatory Building is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Cincinnati Observatory Building?

Yes. Aubrey Research reports search National Register listings, battlefield records, land patents, and other primary historical sources within any radius of a US address. A report for an address near Cincinnati Observatory Building will include this listing and all other historical records in the area.

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