Shot Tower

Shot Tower is a massive stone structure in Dubuque standing approximately 120 feet (37 meters) tall, constructed from dolomite stone and red brick. The imposing building sits near the Mississippi River and clearly shows 19th century construction methods.

The building was erected in 1856 by George W. Rogers & Company and produced up to eight tons of lead ammunition daily. Chadburne company took over the facility in 1862 as competition intensified.

The tower reflects 19th century industrial craftsmanship and demonstrates how workers of that era produced lead ammunition using a straightforward yet ingenious process. Visitors today can appreciate how essential this method was to ammunition manufacturing.

The tower sits on Commercial Street near the Riverwalk and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors can examine the exterior and read information panels that explain the ammunition manufacturing process.

From 1872 to 1881 an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson crowned the tower's summit before the building was converted into a fire observation post. This unusual transformation shows how the city reimagined this landmark over time.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 42.50008,-90.65400

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45