New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Coast Guard Academy Observatory

Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 30, 2022

1. Coast Guard Academy Observatory Marker

Inscription. The Observatory The sea and sky have long been connected. Mariners once had to rely completely on the stars to pilot their vessels. These techniques still serve as a backup to the advanced navigation technology aboard Coast Guard Cutters. Each year, cadets learn the methods of celestial navigation and put their knowledge to the test on USCGC Eagle. The relationship between navigation and astronomy is so great, it was only fitting for the Coast Guard Academy to hold an astronomical observatory.

A 57-Year Tradition The Academy nickname is the Bears, after the USRC Bear made a dramatic rescue in Alaska in 1897 shortly after the opening of the Academy. In 1927, Cadet Stephen H. Evans (who later served as Superintendent of the Academy from 1960-1962) brought a live bear to the Academy.

Objee's name comes from her first day at the Academy, wherein she ran up a tree next to the superintendent's house and complained loudly all night, earning the description of "objectionable presence," which was shortened to Objee.

Objee lived in the observatory but was frequently brought into the cadet barracks where she was set free to roam

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about. She was washed in the cadet showers and was even allowed to eat in the Cadet Wardroom. Each year, one cadet was designated as head "bearkeeper" who was responsible for feeding, and washing the bear, cleaning her home (the observatory), and taking the bear to sporting events. Several bears served as the mascot until 1984, when the Corps was stripped of its right to house dangerous live animals by the New London community's petition and new animal quarantine laws.

Most Popular Objee Legend As a prelude to the 'Little Army Navy Football Game,' Norwich University cadets kidnapped Objee from the observatory. In this story, Objee was sedated, tied up, put into a vehicle, and then transported back with them to Vermont. En route, the sedatives wore off and she awoke. Legend has it that Objee, living up to her ornery nickname, chewed through the steering wheel, seats, and interior of the NU cadet's getaway car.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 41° 22.283′ N, 72° 5.913′ W. Marker is in New London in Southeastern

Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 30, 2022

2. Coast Guard Academy Observatory Marker

Region, Connecticut. It can be reached from Mohegan Ave. Pkwy. north of Williams Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 Mohegan Ave Pkwy, New London CT 06320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline

and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: U.S. Coast Guard in Vietnam War (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); USCGA Class of 1944 Gazebo (about 700 feet away); Honor Duty Respect (about 700 feet away); Letter of Instruction (about 700 feet away); Alexander Hamilton (about 700 feet away); Revenue Cutter Scammel (about 700 feet away); An Act of the First Congress (about 700 feet away); Tomb

Coast Guard Academy Observatory image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 30, 2022

3. Coast Guard Academy Observatory

of Hopley Yeaton (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.

Also see . . .
1. The United States Coast Guard Academy. (Submitted on September 9, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. United States Coast Guard Academy (Wikipedia). (Submitted on September 9, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

View to the South from the Observatory image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 30, 2022

4. View to the South from the Observatory

The Gold Star Memorial Bridge carries Interstate 95 over the Thames River.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 9, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.