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Rockford Tower: A Wilmington Landmark

A historic stone tower in Wilmington's Rockford Park, offering panoramic city views and a glimpse into the past.

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Rockford Tower, located in Rockford Park, Wilmington, is a historic stone water tower offering panoramic city views. Built in the early 1900s, it exemplifies Italian Renaissance Revival and Gothic architectural styles and stands as a symbol of the city's industrial past and commitment to public spaces.

A brief summary to Rockford Tower

Local tips

  • Check the Delaware State Parks website for information about special events and tours inside the tower.
  • Explore the rest of Rockford Park, including the walking trails, tennis courts, and dog park.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's open spaces and wooded areas.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From within Rockford Park, follow the paved paths uphill towards the most prominent structure. The tower is visible from most areas of the park. The walk is moderately steep in places.

  • Public Transport

    DART First State buses serve areas near Rockford Park. Check the DART website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the bus stop, walk along the park paths towards the tower.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take the exit for Delaware Avenue and follow signs for Rockford Park. Once inside the park, follow the road to the parking area near the tower. Parking is free. Limited parking is available close to the tower, especially during events.

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Discover more about Rockford Tower

Rockford Tower, situated atop Mount Salem Hill in Rockford Park, Wilmington, Delaware, is a striking example of early 20th-century civic architecture. Completed in 1901, the 115-foot tower emerged from a joint initiative between the Wilmington Board of Park Commissioners and the Board of Water Commissioners. The tower was designed by Theodore Leisen, combining Italian Renaissance Revival and Gothic styles. Its construction addressed the increasing demands on the city's water supply due to industrialization and population growth, while also fulfilling the desire for a scenic observatory. The tower is built from local Brandywine 'Blue Rock' stone, creating an appearance of timelessness. It originally housed a half-million-gallon water tank and an observation deck. The observation deck opened to the public in 1904 and quickly became a popular destination. The tower has undergone several renovations and closures throughout its history, including during World War II and the 1970s. It reopened in 2002 following an agreement between the City of Wilmington and Delaware State Parks. Today, Rockford Park offers visitors tennis courts, walking trails, meadows, and a dog park. While the tower may be open on certain days during the summer for special events and private tours, check the Delaware State Parks program guides for specific dates and times. From the top, visitors can enjoy views of the city and the surrounding Brandywine Valley.

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