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.
When the Minnesota Territory was formed, the three existing cities were St. Paul, St. Anthony (present day Minneapolis), and Stillwater. The cities competed for the home of the three most important institutions. St. Paul became the capitol, St. Anthony gained the university (University of Minnesota), and Stillwater gained the prison. in 1856, a small group of citizens decided that a school district must be established.