Great Blue Hill Observation Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Great Blue Hill Observation Tower
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Milton, Milton, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1933-34 |
| MPS | Blue Hills and Neponset River Reservations MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000661 |
| Added to NRHP | September 25, 1980 |
The Great Blue Hill Observation Tower, often called Eliot Tower, is a cool stone structure about 35-foot-tall (11 m). It was built a long time ago by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The tower's stone base connects to the Eliot Memorial Bridge, making them look like they were built at the same time. From the top of the tower, you can see amazing views in almost every direction. This includes the whole city of Boston, Boston Harbor, and a lot of the South Shore area.
The tower is located near the top of Great Blue Hill, which is about 635-foot (194 m) high. It's just a short walk from the Great Blue Hill Weather Observatory, which sits right at the mountain's very peak. However, trees block the view from the tower towards the Observatory and its many radio and TV antennas. In 1980, the Eliot Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
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The Eliot Tower: A Historic Viewpoint
The Eliot Tower is a special place where you can get a fantastic view of the surrounding area. It's not just a tall structure; it's also a piece of history. People visit the tower to enjoy the scenery and learn about its past.
Built by the CCC: A Team Effort
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Eliot Tower between 1933 and 1934. The CCC was a program started by the United States government during the Great Depression. This program gave jobs to young men, helping them earn money and learn new skills. These young men worked on many projects across the country, like building parks, roads, and structures such as the Eliot Tower. Their hard work helped improve public lands and provided jobs during a tough time.
What You Can See from the Tower
When you climb to the top of the Eliot Tower, you get a wide, sweeping view. You can see about 270 degrees around you. This means you can spot famous landmarks in Boston, watch ships in Boston Harbor, and even see parts of the South Shore coastline. It's a great spot to understand how big and beautiful the area is.
A Place in History: National Register
In 1980, the Great Blue Hill Observation Tower was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States that are worth protecting. Being on this list means the tower has historical value and is recognized for its connection to the past, including the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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