Historical Marker · No. 715
Astronomical Observatory
Volcano, Amador County · California
Erected by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Astronomical Societies of Stockton and Sacramento; first placed 1968, revised and relocated 2004
This is the only plaque in the campaign that says it was revised. The 1968 bronze had George Madiera discovering the great comet of 1861 from a knoll above Volcano with a three inch refractor. The comet was found by John Tebbutt in New South Wales on 13 May that year and was not visible this far north until the end of June. The 2004 text fixes the spelling of his name and drops the word discovered. The register still prints the old claim.
What the plaque says
ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY HERE IN VOLCANO IN 1860, MINER AND AMATEUR ASTRONOMER GEORGE MADEIRA BUILT CALIFORNIA'S FIRST ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY OF RECORD AND OPERATED IT FOR TWO YEARS. USING A THREE INCH REFRACTOR TELESCOPE HE STUDIED SUN AND MOON, STARS AND PLANETS, AND OTHER GLORIES OF THE HEAVENS, INCLUDING THE GREAT COMET OF 1861. CALIFORNIA REGISTERED HISTORICAL LANDMARK NO. 715 PLAQUE PLACED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION IN COOPERATION WITH THE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETIES OF STOCKTON AND SACRAMENTO. PLAQUE FIRST PLACED IN 1968. REVISED AND RELOCATED IN 2004.
Where it stands
38.44280, -120.63133 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Volcano — steps away
- Chaw Sé Roundhouse — 1.4 mi
- Irishtown — 4.4 mi
- Clinton — 5.0 mi