Mt. Moosilauke (1883) - Observatory
". . . Much attention has recently been directed to the question whether the conditions are more favorable to astronomical observations on the summit of a lofty mountain than at the level of the sea. The evidence so far collected is somewhat contradictory, although there can be no doubt that for certain investigations great elevations are almost essential.
Mt. Washington would not be suitable on account of the prevalence of clouds and the severity of the winds and storms. The same criticism may be made to the selection of Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Adams, or Mt. Jefferson. Their pointed summits, and the difficulty and expense of occupying these stations, also render them undesirable.
Mt. Moosilauk on the other hand, although less elevated, has a large flat summit, well adapted to work of this kind. It is moreover within convenient reach of the railroad, and has a carriage road to the top, over which the instruments could easily be transported. The house on the summit would afford abundant accommodation for observers, and has already been occupied during the winter by a member of this Club.
Probably no point could be found, having an equal elevation, where the preliminary observations could be conducted at less expense. Several boarding-houses at the base of the mountain would furnish additional accommodations if needed, and greater comfort in case of accident or illness. . . ."
From "Mountain Observatories" by Edward C. Pickering, Appalachia, 1883.
