The Octagon

Amherst College. "The Octagon, originally completed in 1848 to house the natural history cabinet and observatory, was built in its unique shape to adapt to the hill it sits upon and also so that other additions could be made in subsequent years without changing the form of the building. Its shape was influenced by the opinions of Orson Fowler, Class of 1834, who also believed that an octagonal shape was good for one’s health." -- Amherst College web site.