Chateau in Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Langley Observatory Clock

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 29, 2014

1. Langley Observatory Clock Marker

Inscription. The title of the sculpture, Langley Observatory Clock, refers to the work of Samuel P. Langley. In 1870, Langley, director of the Allegheny Observatory, created the Allegheny System - a standardized system of measuring and disseminating accurate time. Langley used the observatory telescope and astronomical observations to set the time on a specifically designed clock. Using telegraph wires, Langley connected the observatory clock to a highly visible clock located at Pittsburgh's City Hall on Smithfield Street. By the end of the year, 42 railroads were provided a standard time through this system.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Railroads & Streetcars • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 40° 26.706′ N, 80° 1.013′ W. Marker is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is in Chateau. It can be reached from Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Located on the North Shore Trail between The Carnegie Science Center and Heinz Field. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsburgh PA 15212, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Three Rivers Heritage Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pittsburgh Point (about 400 feet away); Three Rivers Stadium

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); County of Allegheny Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Professional Football Game (approx. 0.2 miles away); First MLB All-Minority Lineup (approx. ¼ mile away); Three Rivers Stadium Baseball Information Panel (approx. ¼ mile away); The Immaculate Reception (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsburgh.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 29, 2014

2. Langley Observatory Clock Marker

Located in front of sculpture

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,993 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.