OpenStreetMap (new tab)

Google Map (new tab)

The Oakland Observatory, built with funds bequeathed by Anthony Chabot (1813-1888), a Quebec-born miner who perfected hydraulic mining in the California Gold Fields. Chabot later became active in East Bay water utilities. founding the Contra Costa Water Company in 1866, making him a wealthy man. Chabot donated funds needed to acquire an 8-inch refracting telescope, named "Leah," that was installed in what was called the "Oakland Observatory" opening on 11/24/1883. Following his death in 1888, the observatory was renamed for its main benefactor. The observatory operated on its Lafayette Square site until the spread of gas and electric lighting made the city sky too bright to use the telescope. It moved to an Oakland Hills site in 1915.

A marker erected in 2008 indicated the Observatory's original location.

Demolished;

PCAD id: 17221