Originally the Patterson Park Observatory, the Pagoda was built in 1891 as an observation tower for viewing the city and is still open to visitors today.
The 60-foot (18 m) Observatory, commonly known as the Patterson Park Pagoda or just the Pagoda was designed in 1890 and completed in 1892 by Charles H. Latrobe who was the general superintendent and engineer under the Park Commission, led along with architect George A. Frederick, who also designed Baltimore City Hall. It was designed as a people's lookout tower with an Asian motif, inspired by Latrobe's fascination with the East. The Pagoda was designated as a Baltimore City historic landmark in 1971.