Oak Ridge Observatory - Agassiz Cottage
AddressPinnacle Road, Harvard, MA, United States of America, 01451
Site Number480
Alternate Names
George R. Agassiz Station
Building Root Number
04201
Architect (Original)
Unknown
Land Acquired
1931
Building Acquired 1932
Constructed 1932
Building Acquired 1932
Constructed 1932
StatusActive
Site Name HistoryThe site is named after its function. It is also named after George R. Agassiz, who gave the property to Harvard.Historical NotesThe Oak Ridge Observatory was operated by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. It was established in 1933 and ceased operation in 2005. At one time it operated the largest optical telescope east of Texas in the United States.The Agassiz Cottage was given by Mr. George R. Agassiz for the recreational use of the staff of the Observatory. Work on the cottage was completed by 1932.
Additional Information
“Lay Corner Stone for Harvard Observatory. Noted Astronomers Attend Ceremony at Oak Ridge, Harvard.” Cambridge Tribune, 9 Sept. 1932, p. 6.
“Site Given Harvard for New Observatory.” Cambridge Chronicle, 30 Oct. 1931, p. 5.
“Harvard to Build New Observatory Station.” Cambridge Tribune, 31 Oct. 1931, p. 4.