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.
At that time it was the largest incorporated area in the state. By 1857 the population was 2,800, soaring to 13,700 by 1884. As the lumber industry gave out, Stillwater lost population until it bottomed at around 7,000 in 1940.