Delivery of the renowned Merz and Mahler Telescope from Cincinnati was made via the steamer YORKTOWN.
In the mid-19th century, the transatlantic movement of scientific instruments was a significant event. One such instance involved the 1845 Merz and Mahler Telescope, which made its way from Munich, Germany, to Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Telescope and Its Origin
The telescope was crafted by the esteemed firm Merz and Mahler, known for their high-quality optical instruments in the early 1800s. Completed in 1845, this telescope was the largest in the United States upon its arrival.
The Journey
- Departure from Munich: The telescope was carefully packed in Munich and transported overland to a port city on the North Sea or Baltic Sea for transatlantic shipment. It likely traveled by river and canal systems connecting Bavaria to a major port such as Hamburg.
- Transatlantic Voyage by Steamboat: Once aboard a steamship, the telescope embarked on a several-week journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Steamboats in the 1840s had begun to dominate transatlantic crossings due to their greater speed and reliability compared to sailing ships.
- Arrival in the United States – New York or Other Major Port: Upon arrival in the U.S., the telescope was transferred to a river steamboat for inland transport.
- Inland Transport by Steamboat on the Ohio River to Cincinnati: The instrument was shipped up the Ohio River by steamboat, as Cincinnati was a major hub on the river and an emerging center for scientific and educational progress. Steamboats along the Ohio were common for shipping goods and heavy items like telescopes.
Key Figures Involved
- Simon Newcomb (Later): While not directly involved in 1845, he was an important astronomer in the U.S. who later worked with telescopes of this caliber.
- Local Cincinnati Figures: Scientists and city leaders in Cincinnati who arranged for the purchase, transport, and installation of the telescope. This included university officials or members of local astronomical societies.
- Merz and Mahler Craftsmen: The skilled opticians and instrument makers in Munich who constructed the telescope.
- Transport Agents and Steamboat Captains: Responsible for safe transportation over land and river.
- Frederick A. Johnson: Documentation suggests that Johnson, a key figure in Cincinnati’s scientific community at the time, was instrumental in the telescope’s acquisition and installation.
Summary
The journey of the 1845 Merz and Mahler Telescope involved meticulous packing in Munich, overland transport to a European port, a transatlantic crossing by steamboat, followed by river transport on the Ohio River to Cincinnati. Key figures include the instrument makers from Merz and Mahler, local Cincinnati scientific leaders such as Frederick A. Johnson, and various transport personnel ensuring the telescope’s safe arrival.
For more detailed archival records or personal narratives about this shipment, they might be available through Cincinnati historical societies or university archives that hold records of early scientific instrument acquisitions.
After its safe delivery, the telescope was originally housed in the Cincinnati Observatory Center. Captain TJ Haldeman, who transported the telescope aboard the YORKTOWN, was made an honorary member of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society for his efforts.
- Home in Northern Kentucky: After its installation in Cincinnati, the telescope would go on to significantly contribute to the study of astronomy in cosmopolitan Covington, a neighboring town across the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky.
- The Telescope's Influence on Business and Lifestyle: The transit of the 1845 Merz and Mahler Telescope to Cincinnati showcased the city's growing interest in scientific advancements, attracting businesses focusing on home-and-garden and lifestyle improvements, as well as enticing travelers seeking a vibrant, culturally enriching experience.
- Health and Education in Cincinnati: The influx of the large telescope, combined with the presence of notable astronomers such as Simon Newcomb, further bolstered the reputation of Cincinnati as a hub for scientific learning, enhancing its healthcare and educational institutions.
- Northern Kentucky and the Booming City: This epochal event served as a testament to the burgeoning progress and influence of Northern Kentucky, as Covington and Cincinnati witnessed an upsurge of economic, cultural, and academic growth in the mid-19th century.
