Bancroft Tower in Salisbury Park is right in my neighborhood. Situated on one of the seven hills in Worcester, one of the wealthiest men in Worcester in the late 1800's, Stephen Salisbury III donated over 11.8 acres of land in this area and built this tower. Constructed for around $15,000, this tower similar to a castle was built out of granite, boulders and cobblestone.
He then named the tower "Bancroft Tower" in honor of George Bancroft. George was a statesman, politician and had written a ten-volume history of America. He was also the euologist for Abraham Lincoln and the founder of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Once constructed, Stephen Salisbury III opened it the park to the public and visitors could climb the 56 foot tower to see breathtaking views of the city. Today, the stairs to the tower are closed off, but open for special events.
After Salisbury's death, the tower and Salisbury Park were given to the Worcester Art Museum, who in turn gave it to the city in 1912.
For more information, you can visit www.worcestermass.org. Stay tuned for more "What's in Worcester?" places or visit my website at www.homesweeterhome.net or my Worcester County Real Estate blog at www.telegram.com/blogs.
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