Perched atop Mount Penn in Reading, Pennsylvania, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and commitment to preserving its natural surroundings.
This 120-foot-tall stone structure, completed in 1939, offers visitors panoramic views stretching up to 60 miles, encompassing the cityscape, the Schuylkill and Lebanon Valleys, and the distant Blue Mountains.
A Beacon of History and Purpose
Constructed during the Great Depression, the tower was a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), aimed at providing employment and enhancing forest fire surveillance capabilities. Built entirely of fireproof materials, including local stone and reinforced concrete, the tower replaced an earlier wooden structure that was destroyed by fire in 1923.
Its design features a 168-step steel staircase leading to a glass-walled observation room, encircled by an iron deck and topped with a copper dome. Inside, visitors can admire stained-glass windows and a Moravian tile depiction of the Penn family crest.
Visiting the Tower
Located at 2500 Skyline Drive, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower is approximately one mile from the iconic Pagoda. While the tower itself is open to the public on the third Saturday of each month from noon to 4 p.m., weather permitting, the surrounding grounds are accessible daily from dawn to dusk.
Visitors can enjoy walking the grounds, which feature picnic spots and trails, offering a serene environment for relaxation and appreciation of the area’s natural beauty.
For more information on visiting hours, special events, or to schedule an appointment, please visit the official Pagoda-Skyline website: pagodaskyline.org/tower.
