Sparks Shot Tower, Shot tower in South Philadelphia, United States.
The brick tower stands 142 feet tall with a 30-foot base diameter that reduces to 15 feet at its summit near the Delaware River waterfront.
Built in 1808 by Thomas Sparks, John Bishop, and James Clement, the structure produced ammunition for both the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
The manufacturing process revolutionized ammunition production by dropping molten lead through sieves, replacing the traditional wooden mold method.
The tower now serves as a landmark within a public recreation center and playground, visible from Interstate 95 at Carpenter Street.
Four generations of the Sparks family operated this industrial facility until 1903, making it the oldest standing manufacturing structure in South Philadelphia.
Location: Pennsylvania
GPS coordinates: 39.93480,-75.14630
Latest update: March 6, 2025 01:50
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