Did you ever wonder about the stone tower you might have glimpsed while driving north of Boston? That’s Wright’s Tower. It offers one of the best, easiest views of the Boston skyline.
Wright’s Tower stands proudly in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. This tower wasn’t erected to defend a kingdom. It was built in 1937. The Works Progress Administration, or WPA, constructed it. This agency was part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal. The New Deal aimed to create jobs during the Great Depression.
But who was Wright? The tower honors Elizur Wright. He was a mathematician, inventor, and abolitionist. Wright even helped form the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. He also patented the Arithmeter Cylindrical Slide Rule in 1869.
Wright made a lasting mark on the life insurance industry. His work regulating it earned him the title of “the father of life insurance.” Beyond his work in insurance, Wright was passionate about conservation. He was a member of the Forestry Association. Wright wanted to preserve the Middlesex Fells as a public park. Sadly, he passed away in 1885 before seeing his vision realized. However, in 1893, the Fells became a reservation.
In 1896, Wright’s daughter Ellen wrote to the Metropolitan Park Commission. She advocated for a memorial to honor her father’s efforts. Finally, in 1937, Wright’s Tower was built. The tower was rededicated in 2008 after restoration. A plaque commemorates Wright’s vision. It calls him the natural foundation of the Metropolitan Park System. His aim was that the Middlesex Fells should be forever preserved as a People’s Forest Park.
Reaching Wright’s Tower involves a journey through the Middlesex Fells Reservation. There are a couple of ways to get there. For a longer hike, start at the Lower Sheep Fold Parking Lot. Follow the Skyline Trail for about two miles to Wright’s Tower. If you prefer a shorter walk, park at the intersection of South Border Road and Governor’s Ave. From there, it’s only about a half-mile hike.
Once you arrive at Wright’s Tower, you’ll see a stone structure. It resembles a medieval guard tower. Don’t worry, there are no archers! Climb the 40 stairs to the lookout platform. From the top, you can enjoy 360-degree views. You’ll see the surrounding area and the Boston skyline in the distance.
Even if the tower door is locked, the views from outside are still great. Find a rock formation and relax in the sun. Take some time to appreciate the legacy of Elizur Wright. He envisioned this space as a park for everyone. Wright’s Tower stands as a tribute to his vision. It’s a place where you can connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Boston area.