Georgetown  

Sundial: 798
State/Province:  District of Columbia Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Vertical Dial Condition:  Fair
  Latitude and Longitude: 38° 54.498' N  77° 4.637' W
Location:
  • Georgetown University Astronomical Observatory
    37th and O Street, N.W.
    Washington
 
Description:
  • A vertical dial, perhaps one foot square, above the front door of the Georgetown University Astronomical Observatory (the Hayden Observatory). The dial face has Roman hour numerals near its perimeter.

    The dial was designed and built by James Curley in Ireland. It is marked with the date, July 8, 1817, of his departure when immigrating to the US. In the US, he joined the Jesuit order and became professor of natural philosophy and mathematics at Georgetown University. In 1844 he designed and built the observatory and became its first director.

    The dial was relocated from Ireland to Georgetown in 1933 where it now resides above the front door of the observatory. The dial was likely designed for a location in Ireland.
 
General Information:
  • Owner: Georgetown University
  • Designer: James Curley, Athleague, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
  • Builder: James Curley
  • Construction Date: 1817
 

Last Revised: 6/27/2015 11:09: