In the nascent days of the University of Michigan, a profound vision took root in the mind of its first president, Henry Philip Tappan. Arriving in 1852, Tappan, a philosopher and educator, harbored a revolutionary ambition: to transform the fledgling frontier college into a modern research university, a beacon of scientific inquiry in the American West. His inaugural address laid bare this dream, appealing to the people of Michigan to embrace and support a new era of academic pursuit, one that would transcend classical instruction to foster scientific discovery.
Among those captivated by Tappan's impassioned plea was Henry N. Walker, a prominent Detroit lawyer and an influential figure. Walker approached Tappan, eager to contribute, and the president proposed a monumental undertaking: the establishment of an astronomical observatory. This grand idea quickly gained momentum, with Walker spearheading a fundraising drive among the citizens of Detroit. Their generous contributions, totaling over $7,000 initially and growing to nearly $19,000, not only provided the necessary capital but also bestowed upon the future edifice its enduring name: the Detroit Observatory.
With funds secured, Tappan set about acquiring the finest instruments and design. While he journeyed to Europe to secure a meridian circle telescope from Pistor & Martins in Berlin and a sidereal clock, the task of designing the observatory building fell to Professor Richard Harrison Bull of the University of the City of New York. Though Tappan had envisioned a central campus location, Walker and Bull ultimately chose a picturesque site on a hill overlooking the Huron River Valley, outside of Ann Arbor. The four-acre plot was purchased, and construction commenced, culminating in the observatory's completion in the summer of 1854.
The newly erected observatory was a marvel of its time, a testament to American ingenuity and scientific ambition. It housed a magnificent 12-inch Fitz refractor telescope, a formidable instrument crafted by Henry N. Fitz, which would later be upgraded to 12 and 1/4 inches, making it the largest refractor in North America. This impressive array of precision instruments was destined to become the heart of Tappan's scientific endeavor, a place where the mysteries of the cosmos could be unveiled.
To lead this pioneering institution, Tappan sought out the brightest minds. His travels in Europe led him to Franz Brünnow, a brilliant Prussian astronomer working under Johann Franz Encke in Berlin. Tappan successfully recruited Brünnow, who, in 1856, became the Detroit Observatory's first director and head of the University of Michigan's astronomy department. Brünnow's arrival marked a pivotal moment, as he brought with him the rigorous methods of German precision astronomy, transforming the observatory into an essential conduit for the transfer of these advanced techniques to the United States.
Under Brünnow's astute guidance, the Detroit Observatory quickly earned a reputation as one of the leading astronomical institutions in the nation, drawing aspiring astronomers from across the country. It became a vital training ground, producing luminaries like James Craig Watson, who would go on to discover numerous asteroids. The observatory was a hub of groundbreaking discoveries, its telescopes peering into the vast expanse, mapping the solar system, and advancing human knowledge. The personal connection between Tappan and Brünnow deepened when the astronomer married Tappan's daughter, Rebecca, further intertwining their destinies with the observatory's legacy.
Yet, the ambitious journey of Tappan and his "creation" was not without its trials. In 1863, amid political maneuvering and personality clashes with the university's regents, Henry Tappan was abruptly dismissed from his presidency. In a show of loyalty and solidarity, Franz Brünnow resigned shortly thereafter, following his father-in-law to Europe. Though Tappan would never return to Michigan, his vision had already taken firm root, ensuring that the Detroit Observatory, his own creation, would continue to shine as a testament to the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring spirit of scientific inquiry.
