Wasn’t the Bismarckturm in Dortmund a magnificent sight? Imagine its 24-meter height. It stood proudly in the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Hain a part of today’s Westfalenpark. This Bismarckturm in Dortmund wasn’t just any monument. It was a testament to Otto von Bismarck the first German Reich Chancellor.
The Denkmal für Otto von Bismarck in Dortmund had a fascinating history. A local association spearheaded its construction. They struggled to raise funds. The cornerstone was symbolically laid in 1901. Actual construction only began in 1904. Another cornerstone was laid on June 30 1904. The Bismarckturm in Dortmund was finally inaugurated on April 1 1905. This date was chosen to coincide with Bismarck’s 90th birthday.
Postbaurat Karl Buddeberg designed the tower. He was employed by the Dortmund Oberpostdirektion. The building materials were unique. Stones from Dortmund’s old city fortifications were used. Herdecker Ruhrsandstein and tuffstein were also incorporated. The tower had a square base. Each side measured 6.5 meters.
Inside was a memorial hall. A bronze Bismarck coat of arms adorned the entrance. Higher up was a relief of a Reichsadler. This impressive work was created by Essen sculptor Christian Bauer. The tower’s viewing platform featured a fire bowl. It burned benzol producing an eight-meter-high flame.
Sadly the Denkmal für Otto von Bismarck in Dortmund didn’t survive the war. Only the irreparably damaged side staircase was removed after World War II. In 1957 a renovation was estimated at 75000 DM. Demolition was far cheaper at only 7000 DM. The decision was made to demolish the tower. It was deemed unnecessary for the 1959 Bundesgartenschau. Neither its historical value nor its architecture were considered important at the time. The Denkmal für Otto von Bismarck in Dortmund was lost. Its memory however remains.