McKim Observatory, built at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, in 1884, was made possible by Robert McKim’s major gift of astronomical equipment worth more than $10,000. Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1816, McKim trained as a stonemason, settled in Madison, Indiana, in 1837, and later built wealth through coal, real estate, and manufacturing. A devoted astronomy enthusiast, he had already obtained one of the nation’s best telescopes for a private observatory by his home. The observatory reflects both his personal commitment to astronomy and the importance of private philanthropy in creating scientific facilities at American colleges in the late 19th century.