Detroit Observatory

Since this building was between Couzens Hall and the Simpson Building and I kind of liked the looks of it, I decided to take a couple pictures of it. It is called the Detroit Observatory in honor of the Detroit citizens that contributed money for its construction.

In his inagural address, University President Tappan appealed to the people of the state of Michigan to take an interest in their University. After the speech, Mr. Henry Walker, a promient citizen of Detroit, approached the President to ask how he could help. The President suggested a fundraiser.

Construction began on the building in 1853 and completed in the summer of 1854.

The dome is 40 feet in diameter and the the slit is 8 feet wide. The telescope is a 37 inch reflecting telescope.

In 2005, the building was turned over to the Bentley Library and its original instruments remain intact. It is open twice a month for tours and I'll have to find out when.