Tower of History facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tower of History |
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Tower of History in 2021
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| Former names | Tower of Missionaries |
| General information | |
| Type | Observation tower |
| Architectural style | Modern architecture |
| Address | 326 E. Portage Avenue |
| Town or city | Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan |
| Country | US |
| Coordinates | 46°29′54″N 84°20′26″W / 46.4982°N 84.3405°W |
| Completed | 1968 |
| Cost | $1 million |
| Owner | Le Sault De Sainte Marie Historical Sites, Inc. |
| Height | 210 ft (64 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Glass, steel, and reinforced concrete |
| Floor count | 21 |
| Lifts/elevators | 1 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | George Rafferty |
| Architecture firm | Progressive Design Associates, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Developer | St. Mary's Catholic Church |
The Tower of History is a tall building in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was first called the Tower of Missionaries. This tower is 210 feet (about 64 meters) high. When it was finished in 1968, it was the tallest observation tower in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
It looks very modern, with three tall, trapezoid-shaped pillars. These pillars hold up five viewing platforms that stick out from the tower. From the top, you get an amazing 360-degree view! You can see the Soo Locks, the St. Mary's River, Lake Superior, and even cities in both the USA and Canada. The view reaches about 20 miles (32 km) away, covering about 1,200 square miles (3,100 km²).
Contents
The Tower's Story: Why Was It Built?
The Tower of History was built in 1968 by St. Mary's Catholic Church. They planned to create a special place called the Shrine of the Missionaries. This shrine was meant to honor Catholic missionaries who worked in the Upper Peninsula. However, the full shrine was never finished.
George Rafferty designed the tower. He was an architect from Progressive Design Associates in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The tower was built where Jacques Marquette once had his first log house and chapel.
How Much Did the Tower Cost?
At first, people thought the tower would only cost about $50,000 to build. But as the architects and consultants gave more ideas, the cost quickly grew to over $600,000. In the end, the total cost was almost $1 million.
The church had also planned to build a new church building and a community center next to the tower. But St. Mary's Church eventually stopped funding the whole project.
Why Was the Tower Renamed?
The tower was always meant to be both a historical site and a place for tourists. It was supposed to have a museum about missionaries from the 1600s and 1700s. It was also planned to connect to the new church, acting like its bell tower.
It was first called the Tower of Missionaries. But it was renamed the Tower of History to make it more interesting to a wider range of visitors. The church hoped that visitors paying $1 or $2 to see the view would help cover the costs. However, a big increase in oil prices in 1973 meant fewer tourists came than expected.
Who Owns the Tower Now?
In 1971, St. Mary's Church faced money problems. So, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette took over the tower. In 1972, they changed how the tower was run. A group of leaders from across the state began to manage it. At that time, ten college students worked there.
By 1975, more than 40,000 people visited the tower each year. In 1979, a group suggested either closing the tower or giving it to a local organization. In 1980, the diocese gave the tower to Le Sault De Sainte Marie Historical Sites, Inc. (also known as Sault Historic Sites). This group still owns and operates the tower today.
What Can You See and Do at the Tower?
The Tower of History has museum exhibits that teach you about Catholic missionaries, the local history of the area, and the history of Native Americans.
You can find the museum exhibits and a video presentation on the tower's lower level. On the upper level, there are three different viewing platforms. Some are open to the air, and some are enclosed with glass. There's also more exhibit space up there.
The tower has a special express elevator that takes you up to the viewing platforms in just 45 seconds! The Tower of History is usually open to visitors from mid-May to mid-October each year.
