Weston Observatory (Tower)

The Weston Observatory located on Oak Hill was built in 1896. Head & Dowst Company constructed the tower who got their directions from a special committee appointed by the Manchester city government. There were ceremonies held in the area celebrating the preparations of the laying of the cornerstone. There was a grand parade, speeches, and the creation of a casket that was a time capsule.

The top of the granite tower stands 360 feet above Elm Street. That fact explains why it was used as a spotting post by air raid wardens in World War II. Today, if someone was to stand on the observation deck during a clear day, they could possibly see Mount Washington.

The 30,490 ft² structure was built to commemorate James Weston after his death and is the only architectural item left related to him in the city. He had it built to be an observation tower for the citizens of the city. The octagonal tower was originally open to the public during the warmer months of the year, but it was commandeered for military use. After the Second World War ended, the tower became the building that housed police transmitters, and during these years it fell into disrepair. Since then, it has been restored but surrounded by an iron fence so the public cannot get in unless invited for special events like the foliage viewing.

Weston Tower, The City of Manchester, NH. Accessed April 28th 2021.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Trails-and-Facilities/Parks/Weston-Tower.

WESTON OBSERVATORY FOLIAGE VIEWING, Manchester Historic Association. Accessed April 28th 2021. https://www.manchesterhistoric.org/index.php/events/132-weston-observatory.

Brown, Janice. The First Weston Observatory, Manchester New Hampshire, New Hampshire's History Blog. April 9th 2007. Accessed April 28th 2021. http://www.cowhampshireblog.com/2007/04/09/the-first-weston-observatory-manchester-new-hampshire/.