Hughes Memorial Tower

Hughes Memorial Tower is a three-legged communications mast in Brightwood that rises 761 feet into the sky. The structure was built with a free-standing star design and primarily supports police and fire department radio operations.

The mast was constructed in January 1989 by the District of Columbia Department of General Services to modernize the city's communications network. It was built during an era when wireless communication was becoming essential for city operations.

The tower honors John S. Hughes, an Assistant Police Chief who transformed how Washington's police department communicated. His name lives on in this structure that still serves the city's emergency services.

The tower is visible from the surrounding residential area and serves as a clear landmark for navigation through Brightwood. The daytime strobe beacons and red night lights make it recognizable at any time of day.

The mast was engineered with a free-standing star design by Henry McGinnis, similar in concept to Cincinnati's Star Tower. This construction method was uncommon for communications towers of this height during the period.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: January 15, 1989

GPS coordinates: 38.96310,-77.02670

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23