Phoenix Shot Tower

The Phoenix Shot Tower, also known as the Old Baltimore Shot Tower, is a significant landmark in East Baltimore, Maryland. This red brick shot tower stands at a height of 234.25 feet and is conveniently located near the downtown, Jonestown, and Little Italy communities. When it was completed in 1828, it was the tallest structure in the United States, a testament to its historical significance and architectural prowess.

Historical Significance of the Phoenix Shot Tower

The Phoenix Shot Tower was built by Jacob Wolfe, using bricks manufactured by the Burns and Russell Company of Baltimore. The cornerstone of this historic structure was laid by Charles Carroll of Carrollton on 4 July 1828. Carroll was a prominent Roman Catholic lay leader, the wealthiest man in America at that time, and the only surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. This adds a layer of historical significance to the tower.

Preservation of the Phoenix Shot Tower

In 1921, the Union Oil Company purchased the Phoenix Shot Tower for $14,500 with plans to demolish it and build a gas station in its place. However, strong community objections led to a fundraising effort that by 1928 had raised enough money to buy the tower and present it to the City of Baltimore as one of its first preserved local historic landmarks. This story underscores the community's commitment to preserving its historical heritage.