The telescope was originally owned and operated by an amateur astronomer, Mr. Henry Gibson.

Agnes Scott purchased it in 1947 for about $15,000 after an offer from the Soviet Union was declined for reasons related to the Cold War.

[4] The observatory was originally built in order to house the Beck telescope and was dedicated in 1950.

[5] It also houses classrooms, an observing plaza, faculty offices, and a 70-seat planetarium.

The observatory is a contributing structure within the National Register South Candler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District.