Frenchman's Tower

Frenchman's Tower is a red brick structure in Palo Alto with two stories, Gothic-style windows, and a crenellated roofline. The openings were later sealed to protect the masonry from damage and deterioration.

Paulin Caperon, a French refugee, built the structure in 1875 as part of an irrigation system for his agricultural operations. His departure from France was driven by the Franco-Prussian War.

The building was originally part of a private estate and reflects the lifestyle of a French settler who combined practical needs with personal interests. The two floors show how water management and intellectual pursuits coexisted in daily life.

The tower cannot be entered as all openings have been sealed shut to prevent damage. It is best viewed from the surrounding grounds where you can walk around the exterior.

Local folklore speaks of underground tunnels that supposedly connect the tower to nearby Stanford Memorial Chapel, though historical records show no such construction. The persistent legend reveals more about people's imaginations than about the building itself.

Location: California

Inception: 1875

Made from material: brick

Website: https://atlasobscura.com/places/the-frenchman-s-tower

GPS coordinates: 37.39610,-122.16200

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25