Barnard Observatory
Also known as Chancellor's Residence; McCain Hall; Old Observatory
Many listed buildings are private homes. Please enjoy them from the street.
About Barnard Observatory
Barnard Observatory, at University of Mississippi campus, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Dec 8, 1978: the first place in University to be listed. Only 170 of Mississippi’s 1,375 listings are older. The Register lists it for its architecture, at the national level. It describes its style as Greek Revival, as it does for 314 other Mississippi listings.
What it isObservatory at the University of Mississippi, USA. From Wikidata (CC0). Read about it on Wikipedia ↗
PDFRead the original nominationThe form that put it on the Register, with its history, photos and a map · 24 MB · National Archives↗1856 to today
- 1856Built
- 1978Added to the National Register of Historic Places
- 2026On the Register for 48 years
Make it a walk: 2 landmarks in about 5 minutes
University of Mississippi campus, University · about 0.1 miles on foot, as the crow flies
- 1Barnard ObservatoryStart here
- 2
Lyceum-The Circle Historic DistrictGreek Revival · 0.1 mi on
8 more Register listings within a mile
★ National Historic Landmark · D district · B building · S site. Each opens its own page.
Greek Revival style, nearby
Other National Register listings within 25 miles described as Greek Revival.
Memories of Barnard Observatory
The record says what it is. Neighbors know what it means.
Your answer becomes a post in Town Square.
Questions about Barnard Observatory
Is Barnard Observatory on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes. It was added on Dec 8, 1978 (Register number 78001607).
Is Barnard Observatory a National Historic Landmark?
No. It is on the National Register; Mississippi has 32 National Historic Landmarks. The nearest is Lyceum-The Circle Historic District, 0.1 miles away.
Can you visit Barnard Observatory?
Our record doesn’t say whether it is open to visitors. Many listed buildings are private, so it may only be seen from the street.
Where can I read the history of Barnard Observatory?
In its National Register nomination, the form that put it on the Register: a 24 MB PDF at the National Archives, linked on this page.
Sources: National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places (05/22/2026) · National Archives catalog record 73891537 · Wikidata. Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.