Department of Environment & Conservation
Jim Fyke, Commissioner

Dyer Observatory

Built under the guidance of well-known astronomer Carl Seyfert, the 1953 Dyer Observatory has been an important research facility for Vanderbilt University in Nashville.  Seyfert is perhaps best-known for his work on a class of galaxies, now known as Seyfert Galaxies.  Chattanooga architect Clarence T. Jones and his son Bruce Jones designed the building.  The main telescope in the observatory is unusual for its versatility and was one of the first of its kind to be built.  It continues today to be used for research and public outreach. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the 1953 Dyer Observatory.

Church Street Methodist Church was constructed in 1930-31 of Crab Orchard sandstone.  It was designed by nationally prominent architect John Russell Pope with Charles Barber acting as the local architect.  The Gothic Revival building features a large entrance tower and a central courtyard.  The stained glass windows were made by the Charles Connick Studio of Boston, a leading producer of stained glass in the twentieth century.  During a trip through Knoxville, Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared that it was, “the most beautiful church I have ever seen.” National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the Church Street Methodist Church.

The Garrett House is a good example of a late example of Queen Anne architecture in Lawrenceburg.  Built in 1908 the brick house features a large corner tower topped with a six foot tall finial.  The interior has a grand staircase, decorative trim, and bargeboard.  The house was built for James W. Garrett who was a prominent businessman and philanthropist.  Garrett also served two terms as mayor of Lawrenceburg.  After standing vacant and deteriorating for many years the house has been renovated by the current owners. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the Garrett House.