Snow-covered summit of Mount Hamilton captured in a striking winter view of the Lick Observatory, dated 1892 and credited to photographer W. Dallison. The observatory buildings, including the iconic dome housing the Great Lick Refractor, appear nestled along the ridge line, surrounded by deep snowdrifts and fog rolling across the mountainous landscape. A small procession of outbuildings, paths, and telegraph poles leads toward the observatory, testifying to the human effort required to operate a scientific institution at high altitude in the late 19th century.

Founded in 1888, the Lick Observatory was the first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory in the world and played a central role in the development of American astronomy. The 4 1/2 X 6 photograph is mounted on 5 X 7 deep maroon card stock and titled in the negative: “Snow and Fog View Lick Observatory Mt. Hamilton, Calif. Copyright 1892 by W. Dallison.” A fine visual record of one of California’s most significant scientific landmarks in its early years of operation.