The Tower on Fox Hill facts for kids
The Tower on Fox Hill, Vernon, Connecticut
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| Coordinates | 41°51′48″N 72°26′39″W / 41.8632°N 72.4443°W |
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| Location | Fox Hill in Rockville, Connecticut |
| Type | Tower |
| Material | Brick |
| Length | 220 feet (67 m) |
| Height | 72 feet (22 m) |
| Beginning date | 1937 |
| Completion date | 1939 |
| Opening date | August 5, 1939 |
| Dedicated to | Veterans of Vernon, Connecticut |
The Tower on Fox Hill, also called the War Memorial Tower, is a tall building in Rockville, Connecticut. It stands at the very top of Fox Hill. This tower is about 72 feet (22 meters) high. It was built where an older, shorter tower once stood in the late 1800s.
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A Look Back: Fox Hill's Past
Native American Lookout Point
Long ago, before European settlers arrived, Native American tribes lived in this area. The Podunk tribe used Fox Hill as a special lookout spot. From here, they could watch over their land. They were often in competition with the Nipmuc and Mohegan tribes for control of the lands around Mischenipsit Lake.
Why Fox Hill Was Important
Fox Hill offers an amazing view of the Connecticut River Valley. On a clear day, you can see far-off mountains like Mount Tom, Mount Holyoke, and Talcott Mountain. In those days, the hill had very few trees. The Podunk people would regularly burn the plants and small trees. This helped them manage the forest. Later, settlers also cut down trees for firewood. This kept the hill mostly clear, and colonists used it for grazing their animals. Old photos show only a few small trees at the top of Fox Hill.
The First Tower: Jeffrey's Observation Tower
In 1878, a man named Mr. Jeffrey built a wooden observation tower on Fox Hill. It was about 60 feet (18 meters) tall. The base of the tower was 20 feet (6 meters) wide. At the very top, there was a platform for people to stand on.
The ground floor of this first tower was enclosed. Here, visitors could buy ice cream and other snacks. The upper parts of the tower were open, offering great views. People could even use a telescope to see further. It cost 15 cents to climb the tower and use the "spy glass."
The Tower's Downfall and an Artist's Studio
Jeffrey's Tower was very popular, but it didn't last long. On February 3, 1880, a huge snowstorm destroyed the wooden structure. It was never rebuilt. The broken pieces of wood soon became covered by vines and bushes. However, the ground floor of the tower remained standing.
Around 1889, a famous artist named Charles Ethan Porter used this remaining part as his art studio. Porter was Mr. Jeffrey's brother-in-law. He would use the small structure as a shelter to paint, especially during winter or when it rained. After Porter passed away, the small building fell apart completely. By 1923, its remains had disappeared under thick overgrowth. For the next 60 years, no new tower was built on the hill.
The War Memorial Tower: A New Beginning
Building the Memorial Tower
The current War Memorial Tower was built between 1937 and 1939. This project was part of the WPA. The WPA was a government program during the Great Depression. It helped people find jobs and built important projects in towns and cities.
The tower was built to honor all the veterans from the Town of Vernon who served in wars. It was officially opened on August 5, 1939. The United States Work Projects Administration provided the workers and materials. The town, city, and local people helped pay for the rest of the project.
What the Tower Looks Like Today
The War Memorial Tower stands 72 feet (22 meters) tall and is built on solid rock. It has a long walkway that is 220 feet (67 meters) long. The tower is made from local stone. Near the top, there is an observation platform where visitors can enjoy the views.
Inside, there are special bronze plaques on the walls. These plaques have the names and messages for the three main parts of the United States military: the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Today, the tower is part of Henry Park. This park is named after E. Stevens Henry, who was the first landowner after the land was bought from the Podunk people. The Vernon-Rockville Parks and Recreation Department takes care of the tower. It is currently the highest point in Vernon, Connecticut, that was made by people.
