Bancroft Tower - Worcester MA - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

The Bancroft Tower is a 2 1/2 story structure built of boulders and cobbles, trimmed with rock-faced granite. It has an open arch in the center, asymmetrical in design. The arch is flanked by two towers which rise to observation platforms surrounded by crenellated parapets. Rising from the left tower is a circular tower, as well. This is the last surviving tower of the three built in Worcester. It is situated on one of the highest points in Worcester. It was designed by a local firm, Stephen Earle and Cellan Fisher. The tower was constructed in 1900 for Stephen Salisbury III. Both the tower and hill on which it sits was named in honor of the historian, George Bancroft, a native of Worcester. Salisbury retain ownership of the parkland and tower during his lifetime and given to the city in his will in 1907.

George Bancroft was born at the foot of the hill where the tower stands. He was Secretary of the Navy, Founder of the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, and US Minister to Great Britain and Germany. The tower was built in his memory by his friend Stephen Salisbury.

Street address: Bancroft Tower Rd Worcester, MA County / Borough / Parish: Worcester Year listed: 1980 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering Periods of significance: 1900-1924 Historic function: Recreation And Culture Current function: Recreation And Culture Privately owned?: no Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 1: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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