Perched atop Pine Hill in the Middlesex Fells Reservation stands Wright’s Tower. It’s a monument to a man whose vision shaped this very landscape. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this stone structure overlooking Medford?
Wright’s Tower isn’t just a scenic viewpoint. It is a tribute to Elizur Wright. He was a 19th-century visionary. Wright championed the preservation of this land. He wanted to create a public park for all to enjoy.
Elizur Wright was more than just a park advocate. He was a mathematician, inventor, and abolitionist. Wright helped form the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. He even patented the Arithmeter Cylindrical Slide Rule in 1869. But Wright’s most significant contribution was regulating the life insurance industry. This earned him the title “the father of life insurance.”
Wright’s dream of a public park wasn’t realized during his lifetime. He passed away in 1885. But his vision lived on. In 1893, the Middlesex Fells became a reservation. Later, Wright’s daughter, Ellen, advocated for a tower in his honor.
In 1937, the Works Progress Administration built Wright’s Tower. This was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The WPA aimed to create jobs during the Great Depression. The tower stands as a testament to their efforts. It was rededicated in 2008.
Imagine the scene during its construction. Workers carefully piling stone. They shaped a fortress-like structure. This practical style was popular for hilltop structures. It allowed them to use the earth they dug up to erect it.
Climb the 40 stairs inside Wright’s Tower. Ascend to the lookout platform. A 360-degree view unfolds before you. See the Boston skyline in the distance. Marvel at the vast Middlesex Fells Reservation.
Even if the tower door is locked, the views are still breathtaking. Just outside Wright’s Tower, a rock formation awaits. Relax and soak in the scenery. On a clear day, Boston’s skyline shimmers in the distance.
The area surrounding Wright’s Tower has a rich history. Timber, granite, and ice were harvested here. Some of the ice was even shipped to India. Trail names like Quarry Road and Silver Mine Path hint at this past.
Today, the Middlesex Fells Reservation offers over 100 miles of trails. Hike, bike, or explore the woods around Wright’s Tower. Be cautious. Some trails are rocky and steep. Wear appropriate footwear.
Wright’s Tower is more than just a stone building. It’s a symbol of preservation. Wright’s Tower stands for the power of vision. It reminds us of the importance of open spaces. As you stand here at Wright’s Park, take a moment. Think about the legacy of Elizur Wright.