Description
Bancroft Tower in Worcester, Massachusetts is a historic structure that was built in 1900. It is named after Worcester native, former Secretary of the Navy, diplomat, and historian George Bancroft. The tower is a 56-foot-tall natural stone and granite structure. It is located in Salisbury Park and was designed by Worcester architects, Earle and Fisher. The construction cost was around $15,000. The tower was left to the Worcester Art Museum, which gave it to the Worcester Parks Department in 1912. On March 5, 1980, the Bancroft Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The grounds surrounding Bancroft Tower are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Every Sunday in October (weather permitting), the 501(c)3 organization Park Spirit opens the Tower to the public. The organization allows anybody to enter the tower and explore its reaches. Within the tower, historical exhibitions tell the story of Stephen Salisbury III, the Tower’s builder, and George Bancroft, the Tower’s namesake.
Looking for more great spots to explore nearby? Check out the GoXplr Massachusetts Map at goxplr.com/map/massachusetts!
Historic Specs
- Opened: 1900
- Original function: Monument was named after Worcester native, former Secretary of the Navy, diplomat, and historian George Bancroft.
- Architect(s): Earle & Fisher
- Year added to NRHP: 1980
- NRHP number: 80000524
- Status: Public
- Admission cost: Free
Jeremy –
This snap of the iconic, 1900 Bancroft Tower in Worcester, Massachusetts was taken Saturday July 2nd after a huge thunderstorm. There is free parking, and you can picnic here. Built out of boulders that were hauled up a hill by horses, Bancroft Tower is a must see Central Massachusetts attraction.
Jeremy –
The historic (1900) Bancroft Tower in Worcester, Massachusetts (snapped last Thurs). There’s still the last of the fading/rustic autumn colors at this place so go here now (after the first measurable snow is also a great time to go). Posted to my MDT IG page.
Tom Riley (store manager) –
Such a cool spot!!