Monday, November 16, 2009

Towering View

[click image to enlarge]

At the top of the highest hill in Mount Auburn Cemetery stands a granite tower. This tower has a spiral staircase inside that takes people to two observation deck levels where views of Cambridge, Boston, and the surrounding area can be seen. This tower is known as the Washington Tower, dedicated to the first President of the United States. It was designed by Dr. Jacob Bigelow with architect Gridley J. F. Bryant. The tower was built in 1853-54. It was constructed by Witcher and Sheldon of Quincy at a cost of $18,500. From the tower, other features of the cemetery can be seen, including the Bigelow Chapel that I posted a few days ago.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tower!

Anonymous said...

A very fine image that crackles when enlarged.

John said...

A little in the style of the 'folly' which we see a lot of in UK. Rich landowners build 'monuments' more to have them than for a real practical use. They always make good landmarks though. Comes out well in monochrome.

Laerte Pupo said...

Beautiful tower, I liked it.

brattcat said...

Beautiful composition. Very successful b&w. Makes me think a bit of Tolkien. Though there is nothing menacing in this.

Birdman said...

An interesting tower... is it a lighthouse? Nice commentary also.

Lowell said...

Excellent composition. Love the b&w. A truly magnificent tower.

Jan J. said...

Beautiful tower photo - I thought it was a lighthouse when I saw it. Interesting structure to say the least!

Anonymous said...

Excellent photo. You have a good eye for architecture.

ElinSire said...

Beautiful image when you enlarge it!

puna said...

Very pretty lighthouse.

Maria Berg said...

GOOD - the best of the one showing an monochrom that week, MB

MyMaracas said...

What an odd and wonderful structure. I love the angle at which you've shot it, and the composition is great. Wonderful subject for black and white.

Summer Attraction

This tiger swallowtail butterfly was a delight to see pollinating the phlox bed along my driveway.