Bell Tower

The tower originally served as a guard house for the State Guard.  The bell was a fire alarm and was also rung in emergencies.  In 1861-65, it was used to call out local defenders, notably on April 21, 1861 (Pawnee Sunday) and on February 7, 1864 to sound the alarm for Dahlgren’s raid. During the administration of Governor John N. Dalton, the tower served as the office of the lieutenant governor. Its bell was donated by the Commonwealth Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).