Feb 28, 2014

The Patterson Park Pagoda, built in 1891, was originally known as the Observatory because of its excellent vistas. From its upper balconies on a clear day, visitors can see Baltimore’s downtown, the Key Bridge and Fort McHenry.

: As the sun starts to rise over Patterson Park, the pagoda still has its light turned on. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: An exterior view of the Patterson Park Pagoda as the sun starts to rise over Southeast Baltimore. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: The horizon of Southeast Baltimore peers through the windows from inside on the top floor of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a stained glass window inside the Patterson Park Pagoda. The glass is not original, but was restored to its original condition. The date, 1892, marks the year the pagoda was completed. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view of Southeast Baltimore rowhomes, as seen from an upper level of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: A shadow is cast from the fence around the top-floor balcony on the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view of trees through a stained-glass window inside the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view of a flock of birds in flight as viewed from an upper balcony on the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view of the interior staircase of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is the St. Michael the Archangel Ukranian Catholic Church as viewed from an upper floor balcony of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: Light shines through a stained-glass window in the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view of a cherry tree as seen from an upper level of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: A view of a cherry tree branch against the sidewalk taken from an upper-level balcony of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a stained-glass window with cobwebs in the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a reflection on the floor, cast by a stained-glass window in the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view of Southeast Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood on the left and the St. Michael the Archangel Ukranian Church visible through the decorative fence. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: A view of rowhomes on Patterson Park Avenue with downtown in the background, taken from an upper level of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view looking down the stairs from an upper level of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a view of trees through a stained glass window in the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: Light highlights a line of cannons located next to the pagoda located in Patterson Park. The row of five cannons represent the War of 1812 fortification at Hampstead Hill, which is now part of Patterson Park. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a detail of an iron support bracket outside on the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: A white tree stands out from its Patterson Park neighbors. This photo was taken from an upper level of the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: This is a detail from the staircase in the Patterson Park Pagoda. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

: The statue on the right, next to the Patterson Park Pagoda, was dedicated by Baltimore school children in 1914. It commemorates Baltimore’s role in the War of 1812. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

The beautiful Victorian structure sits on Hampstead Hill in Patterson Park, which was an important military installation during the War of 1812. In fact, three monuments dedicated to that war are located adjacent to the pagoda.

For decades the Pagoda was closed and fell into a state of decay. Working in conjunction with city agencies and volunteers, the Friends of Patterson Park were able to gradually restore the structure. Visitors have since been able to enjoy the beautiful views and see the architectural details inside and out since 2002.

Patterson Park Pagoda: Asian influence in Southeast Baltimore

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