Cincinnati Observatory

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Cincinnati Observatory Building
(U.S. National Historic Landmark)
Original building atop Mt. Lookout
Original building atop Mt. Lookout
Location: Observatory Pl., Cincinnati, Ohio
Coordinates: 39°8′34″N 84°25′22″W / 39.14278, -84.42278Coordinates: 39°8′34″N 84°25′22″W / 39.14278, -84.42278
Built/Founded: 1873
Architect: Samuel Hannaford
Architectural style(s): Greek Revival
Designated as NHL: December 09, 1997[1]
Added to NRHP: March 03, 1980[2]
NRHP Reference#: 80003043
MPS: Samuel Hannaford and Sons TR in Hamilton County
Governing body: State

The Cincinnati Observatory, located in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA), is the oldest professional observatory in the United States. The observatory was built atop Mount Ida, a hill that overlooks downtown Cincinnati. The cornerstone was laid on November 9, 1843, and presiding over the occasion was former President John Quincy Adams. At 77 years old, it was to be his last public speech, and Mount Ida was renamed to Mount Adams in his honor.

In 1871, the Observatory came under the control of the University of Cincinnati and in 1873 it was moved from Mt. Adams to Mt. Lookout, where it remains today. In 1998 the Observatory became a National Historic Landmark.

The asteroid 1373 Cincinnati was named to honour the staff of the observatory.

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Coordinates: 39°08′18″N 84°25′24″W / 39.13833, -84.42333