Delivery Vessel: The Steamer YORKTOWN transports the renowned Merz and Mahler Telescope from Cincinnati to its destination
The 1845 Merz and Mahler Telescope's Journey to Cincinnati
The 1845 Merz and Mahler telescope, one of the earliest large telescopes in the United States, has a fascinating history that played a significant role in the scientific community of Cincinnati. This German-crafted instrument, renowned for its precision, became a crucial tool at the Cincinnati Observatory.
The telescope's journey to Cincinnati was a complex one, involving multiple stages. It began with the assembly of its optical components in Munich, Germany, before being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to the Port of New Orleans.
At the Port of New Orleans, the telescope was taken aboard the steamboat YORKTOWN, a sidewheel packet with a wooden hull, built in Cincinnati in 1844. The YORKTOWN, under the command of Captain Thomas Jefferson Haldeman, embarked on the arduous upriver journey to Cincinnati.
The voyage was not without its challenges. The YORKTOWN faced a delay and encountered difficulties, including grounding at the Mouth of the Cumberland due to low water and protruding sandbars. Despite these setbacks, Captain Haldeman persevered, ensuring the safe delivery of the telescope components.
The YORKTOWN finally arrived in Cincinnati on January 20, 1845, just one day after a fire in College Hall that could have potentially destroyed the telescope. Upon arrival, the telescope was the largest in the United States and was received by astronomer Mitchel, who eventually installed it in the observatory on Mt. Adams.
Captain Haldeman, a leading advocate for boiler safety in the Mississippi River System, played a key role in the telescope's delivery. After retiring from steamboating, he and his partner went into the papermaking business north of Cincinnati. In recognition of his efforts, he was made an honorary member of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society.
Mt. Ida, where the observatory was located, was later renamed Mt. Adams in honor of former U.S. President John Quincy Adams, who delivered the dedication address and laid the cornerstone for the building on November 9, 1843.
Today, the 1845 Merz and Mahler Telescope is housed at the Cincinnati Observatory Center, a testament to the city's rich astronomical history. For a deeper dive into the river's history, Captain Don Sanders' book, "The River," is available for purchase online, at Roebling Books locations, and at the Behringer Crawford Museum and St. Elizabeth Healthcare gift shops.
- The precision telescope, originating from Munich, Germany, eventually found its place not just in Cincinnati science, but also in the residential areas of northern Kentucky, as Captain Haldeman, a key figure in its arrival, settled down north of the city to pursue a home-and-garden business after retiring from steamboating.
- The 1845 Merz and Mahler Telescope's journey through Covington, a town in northern Kentucky, was a significant part of its voyage to Cincinnati, as the steamboat YORKTOWN, carrying the telescope components, passed through this riverfront city.
- In the midst of the bustling business scene of Cincinnati, the 1845 Merz and Mahler Telescope stood as a symbol of health and innovation, contributing to the scientific advancements in the city that fostered a unique lifestyle.
- Captain Haldeman's legacy extends beyond the realm of astronomy, as he is remembered not only for his role in delivering the Merz and Mahler Telescope to Cincinnati but also for his contributions to the safety of boats in the Mississippi River System and his ventures into the papermaking business in the northern Kentucky region.
