Castle Craig facts for kids
Castle Craig is a famous stone tower in Meriden, Connecticut. It stands on top of East Peak, which is part of the Hanging Hills. The tower is built from a strong rock called trap rock. It is about 32 feet (10 meters) tall. Inside, there's a metal staircase that takes you up to an observation deck. From the top, you can see amazing views of the Meriden area and beyond. The tower is about 976 feet (297 meters) above sea level.
A Gift to the City
Castle Craig was officially opened on October 29, 1900. It was a gift to the people of Meriden from a generous man named Walter Hubbard. The tower is part of a large area called Hubbard Park, which is named after him. The park covers about 1,800 acres (7.3 square kilometers).
You can reach the tower by hiking on trails, like the long Metacomet Trail. There's also a road called Reservoir Road. This road is open for cars from May 1 to October 31, usually from 10 AM to 4:45 PM. People who like to walk or jog can use the road all year round during park hours, which are generally from sunrise to sunset.
From the top of the tower, which is about 1,002 feet (305 meters) high, you can see many places:
- To the south, you might spot New Haven and even the Long Island Sound, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) away.
- To the west, you can see the lower hills of the Berkshires.
- To the north, you might see the skyline of Hartford and even Mount Tom in Massachusetts.
People have wondered for many years where the idea for the tower's design came from. Some say Walter Hubbard, who traveled a lot, was inspired by a tower in France. Others think it looked like a 12th-century Turkish tower near the Danube River. Still others believe it was based on an old tower in Scotland.
The Tower's Opening Day
On October 29, 1900, a special ceremony was held to dedicate Castle Craig. Mr. Hubbard officially gave the tower to the City of Meriden. Many important people and citizens attended the event.
According to a local newspaper, a large group gathered near the tower. Many people took trolleys to the park and then walked a long way to the tower. Some even drove their own carriages to the top of the mountain. Around 250 guests were there. Mr. Hubbard made sure everyone had a good time, providing lots of clams that were roasted over a big fire.
The tower was the main attraction, and everyone talked about the beautiful views and Mr. Hubbard's kindness. Group photos were taken. The visitors cheered loudly for Mr. Hubbard, and Judge Wilbur F. Davis called him the "first citizen of Meriden." A large flag was raised on the tower at noon, and everyone cheered again as it waved in the wind.
About the Plaque
At the bottom of Castle Craig, there's a plaque that tells more about the tower:
Castle Craig
Dedicated October 29. 1900
Castle Craig Tower stands 32 feet (10 meters) high on 976 feet (297 meters) east peak in Meriden's Olmsted designed Hubbard Park. It has the distinction of being the highest point within 25 miles (40 kilometers) of the coast from Maine to Florida. Its design origins are clouded. Some say its native trap rock construction resembles Norman watchtowers on Europe's Rhine River while others claim it was modeled and named after an ancient castle in Scotland.
Meriden industrialist Walter Hubbard donated the tower and the surrounding park, which a grateful Meriden named after him. The tower is one of the highlights of the 1800 acre (7.3 square kilometers) park from its observation deck. Looking south one can observe Long Island Sound and on a clear day, the outline of Long Island itself. To the north, Southern Massachusetts Berkshire Hills come into view. Hubbard Park is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The plaque says that East Peak is the "highest point within 25 miles (40 kilometers) of the coast from Maine to Florida." However, West Peak, which is only about 2,000 feet (610 meters) to the west, is actually a bit higher at 1,024 feet (312 meters). Also, there are some mountains in the Downeast coastal area of Maine that are taller than both East and West Peak.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo Craig para niños
