An observatory is a place for observing, or studying, natural objects and events on Earth or in space. An astronomical observatory is a place to observe space. Scientists use this type of observatory to gather information about stars, planets, comets, and other things outside Earthâs atmosphere.
The early 1850âs were marked in national history as a period of great unrest, for these were the pre-Civil-war days with slavery a raging issue. However, this was a period of tremendous growth in the Territory of Minnesota and in Stillwater. The city was granted its charter in 1854 with John McKusick as first mayor.
In January 1846 Stillwater was made the new seat of St. Croix County. Stillwater was platted in 1848, a town of about 600 people, nearly all lumbermen. When Wisconsin entered the union that year, leaving lands now in Minnesota without government, delegates from the area met in Stillwater.