click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
Property Features
Since its construction, the Pine Bluff Observatory has been, and continues to be, an important research facility for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The observatory was built in 1958, during the Space Race of the mid-twentieth century when there was an increased interest in astronomy and space exploration. The Observatory was built to replace the Washburn Observatory, whose facility and telescope (refracting with curved glass) were becoming obsolete as astronomers were using larger telescopes. Because the Pine Bluff Observatory is associated with the Space Race, an event that made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history, it is recommended eligible under Criterion A. The building is not associated with the lives of past significant persons and is therefore not eligible under Criterion B. The Pine Bluff Observatory retains its original design, materials, and function and is a distinctive example of an astronomical observatory built during the Space Race of the mid-twentieth century. Therefore, the building is recommended eligible under Criterion C. The observatory retains its historic and architectural integrity of design, materials, and workmanship. For these reasons, it is recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP and may warrant further investigation.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
Telescope at Washburn Observatory
November 8, 1926
Small telescope at University of Wisconsin-Madison Washburn Observatory.
Telescope at Washburn Observatory
1930
Telescope at Washburn Observatory with man at controls.
Yerkes Observatory Telescope
1907
Text on front reads: "The 40-inch telescope of the University of Chicago Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin. The object-glass has a diameter of 40 inches, the tube is 63-feet long and weig...
New Equipment at Washburn Observatory
February 10, 1933
A man is sitting near a new photo electric cell equipment at Washburn Observatory on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Also shown is a portion of the observatory's telescope.
