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Mount Morris Fire Watchtower

The sole surviving cast-iron fire lookout of 19th-century New York, this historic landmark stands as a striking architectural icon within Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.

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What is the Mount Morris Fire Watchtower known for?

It is the only surviving cast-iron watchtower of eleven placed throughout New York City starting in the 1850s. It is considered a rare example of early American cast-iron frame construction and a prominent landmark for the Harlem community.

Where is it located?

The tower is located at the top of a lookout plaza in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Manhattan, specifically at Fifth Avenue and 121st Street.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission is free.

What are the hours for visiting?

Visitor access is limited to public tours, which are available on select dates and times rather than through continuous general admission.

What is the history of the tower?

Constructed around 1857 based on a design by James Bogardus and built by Julius H. Kroehl for $2,300, the tower was used to spot fires and ring bells. It was designated a NYC landmark in 1967, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and reopened to the public on October 27, 2019, following a restoration process that began in 2015.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Mount Morris Fire Watchtower, also known as the Harlem Fire Watchtower, is a rare architectural survivor. Constructed around 1857 based on a design by James Bogardus, it was built by Julius H. Kroehl for $2,300. It is the only surviving example of eleven cast-iron watchtowers that were placed throughout New York City beginning in the 1850s to allow firefighters to spot fires and ring bells. For decades, the tower served as a prominent community landmark in Harlem. It was officially designated as a New York City landmark in 1967 and later listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. As a rare example of early American cast-iron frame construction, the structure is celebrated as a prized preservation landmark. After falling into disrepair, a comprehensive restoration process began in 2015, which involved systematically surveying, cataloguing, and dismantling the tower. This meticulous work culminated in the reconstructed and restored fire watchtower reopening to the public on October 27, 2019. Today, the tower stands atop a lookout plaza in Marcus Garvey Park. The park itself was renamed in 1973 in honor of Marcus Garvey, reflecting the site's ongoing significance to the Harlem community and its surrounding neighborhood.

Visitor tips

  • Check the NYC Parks website for select dates and times for public tours, as general admission is not continuous.
  • Visit the lookout plaza for the best views and photographic angles of the cast-iron structure.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tower is located within the hilly terrain of Marcus Garvey Park.

Nearby context

Located at Fifth Avenue and 121st Street, the tower is a central feature of Marcus Garvey Park, serving as a landmark for the neighborhood's historic residential architecture.

Sources

Evidence and links