Sweeney Observatory at the top of Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park, early 1900s. - Photo by Fernando Cortez Ruggles

Sweeney Observatory, 1891-1906

A viewpoint rather than an astronomical observatory, Sweeney Observatory was constructed on Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park in 1891 with a grant from wealthy Sunset District landowner Thomas U. Sweeney.

Visitors drove carriages up a winding path to the castellated, semi-circular structure, and climbed one of two staircases to take in the whole of San Francisco's west side.

Despite claims of being earthquake-proof, the observatory crumbled apart on April 18, 1906 and was never rebuilt.

Sweeney Observatory carriage circle in Golden Gate Park, early 1900s. - Photo by Fernando Cortez Ruggles

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Page launched 5 May 2008.