Did you know…Worcester has its very own castle?
Erected in 1900, Bancroft Tower is a miniature representative of a European feudal castle. Built in honor of George Bancroft, a Worcester native, and designed by Worcester architects Earle and Fisher, the castle is truly a testament to Worcester’s pride in its accomplished citizens.
George Bancroft (1800-1891) was a politician, statesman, and historian who served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy. During this time, he established the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Born in Worcester, Bancroft also became known for delivering the eulogy at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral and producing a ten-volume history of America. After Bancroft passed and was interred in Worcester’s Rural Cemetery, Stephan Salisbury III chose to build the memorial in honor of him because Bancroft had been his father’s childhood friend.
Located in Salisbury Park, near the Worcester Art Museum, the tower was intended to be a “recreational oasis” according to worcesterma.gov. Visitors are welcome to climb to the lookout tower to soak in a breathtaking view of Worcester. The tower is 56 feet tall and made of cobblestones and boulders. It is named on the National Register of Historical Places and is city property.
Works Cited
“Salisbury Park.” Worcesterma.gov, City of Worcester, MA. <<http://www.worcesterma.gov/city-parks/salisbury-park>>
“Bancroft Tower.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bancroft_Tower>>
Categories: features
