High Rock Tower, added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1979
High Rock rises to a height of 170 feet. By daylight, the “rocky hill” with its porphyry (crystal-filled granite) outcroppings is an impressive site. Panoramic views of downtown Lynn, Nahant, Salem and the Boston skyline can be enjoyed from its summit [2].
Exposed, scenic elevations have always attracted people—frequently for strategical or spiritual reasons. In the 17th century, High Rock served as meeting place for the Pawtucket tribe. It was the headquarters of their chief, Nanapashemet [3]. In the 1840s, it became the site where the Hutchinson Family Singers built cottages and held nightly concerts. A first tower designed by the local architect Alonzo Lewis was completed in 1848, but eventually was neglected and vandalized. Today's tower was constructed in 1905 by the city. Built with granite, the tower was designed by H.K. Wheeler and Charles Betton. On October 11, 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historical Places [2,3].
References and further reading
[1] High Rock Park, tower and observatorys starry starry night program City of Lynn - Attractions. URL: http://www.lynnma.gov/about/highrocktower.shtml (accessed: October 11, 2021).[2] High Rock Tower Reservation Current Projects, City of Lynn, Massachusetts. URL: http://www.cityoflynnoecd.net/projects_highrocktower.shtml (accessed: October 11, 2021).
[3] High Rock Tower in Lynn, Massachusetts Mass History Commons. URL: https://masshistorycommons.org/2021/08/28/high-rock-tower-in-lynn-massachusetts/ (accessed: October 11, 2021).
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