Halsted Observatory

Date of Commission: 1865

Date of Occupancy: 1872

Date of Destruction: 1932

Other Dates in Building's History:

1865: General Halsted has given $10,000 toward the construction of an "Astronomical Observatory". (TM, 18 June 1865)

1866: Plans for the observatory presented to the Trustees. (TM, 25 June 1865)

27 June 1866: Cornerstone laid.

1870: Mr. Robert Bonner offers $10,000 toward the purchase of a telescope. (TM, 21 Dec 1870)

1871: Obersevatory building and dome are nearly complete. (TM, 26 June 1871)

1882: 23-inch telescope installed.

1932: Razed to make way for Joline Hall.

Architect(s): Stephen Alexander ; J. P. Huber, Newark

Donor(s): General Nathaniel Norris Halsted

Named for: General Nathaniel Norris Halsted

Other Agent(s): John Murphy (builder); Henry W. Learde (builder)

Materials: Iron; Prallsville Quarry Stone

Function: Astronomical Observatory

Style: Italianate