Jonestown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Phoenix Shot Tower
Built in 1828 by the Phoenix Shot Tower Company, this soaring 215 foot structure is the last remaining shot tower of the three that accented Baltimore’s skyline in the 19th century. Shot pellets used as ammunition for muskets was produced by pouring molten lead through perforated pans from “dropping stations” high up in the tower. The swift passage of the lead droplets down the shaft rounded the pellets into shot. The “quenching tank” of water at the bottom cooled and solidified them.
The Tower produced as many as 500,000 25-pound bags of shot a year, and was one of the largest suppliers in the nation. Despite technological improvements, the principle of the “drop method” is still applied in the production of small shot. Modern towers less handsome and less sturdy have spouted up in California, Illinois and Oklahoma.
Shot was produced here until 1892, when rising cost forced the owners to abandon the tower. When the tower was threatened with demolition in 1921, a group of citizens purchased it and presented it to the City for preservation. It was converted into a museum in 1977 and forms the centerpiece of Shot Tower Park, in startling contrast to 9 North Front Street, the historic house at its side.
The tower was built with more than one million bricks. It was constructed in less than six months and built entirely without the use of exterior scaffolding.
Erected by the City of Baltimore, N. Plovsky & Son, Inc. Sponsor, William Donald Schaefer, mayor, rededicated 2005, Martin O'Malley, mayor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Baltimore City historical markers, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 17.447′ N, 76° 36.332′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Jonestown. Marker was at the intersection of Fayette Street and Front Street, on the right when traveling east on Fayette Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21233, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. First Baptist Church, Baltimore (here, next to this marker); Shot Tower (here, next to this marker); 9 North Front Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Baltimore Police Department (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Vincent de Paul Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named St. Vincent de Paul Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cast-Iron Façade (about 700 feet away); Baltimore's Great Fire (about 700 feet away); Fish Market (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,999 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on December 17, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on September 25, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 6. submitted on December 17, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.