Observatory placement

[HiroProtagonist]

I'd say yes, definitely. Given that you'll get the salt eventually anyway but just won't be able to work it, the +50% science is much better IMO. The mountain is also better for defense, as is the hill. And it doesn't really matter if you have other observatories. +50% science is +50% science. You get a little less growth, but not that much less, the +50% science will more than make up for that. The gold from the salt is nice but the observatory is much nicer.

I went with the mountain/observatory as suggested. With 3 observatories I have an absolutely OP tech lead. GWI/GWB vs XB's and muskets is kind of fun at first but quickly getting boring