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DAR finishes bell tower renovation
The clang of the Bell Tower on Capitol Square calls the General Assembly into session. This historic sound has been “ringing in” each legislative session since 1934. And it will continue for many years to come, thanks to the recently completed renovation of the Bell Tower by the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution.
On Thursday, the state DAR held a dedication ceremony at the Capitol. The group unveiled a plaque marking the completion of the three-year project to restore and preserve the red-brick tower.
The renovation was part of the DAR’s State Regent’s Project for 2007-2010. State Regent Bana Weems Caskey praised the organization’s efforts to restore the Bell Tower.
“I especially congratulate you on this project, because it really encompasses all three aspects of the mission of the national society, Daughters of the American Revolution – the promotion of historic preservation but also that of education and patriotism,” Caskey said.
The Bell Tower, located in the southwestern corner of Capitol Square, was built in 1824. Over the years, it has served many uses: as a guard house; as a way to warn Richmonders of approaching Union troops during the Civil War; as a museum for the 1st Virginia Regiment; and as executive staff offices for Govs. Linwood Holton and John Dalton. Lt. Gov. Charles Robb also had an office in the tower.
Today, the Bell Tower houses a visitors’ service center operated by the Virginia Tourism Corp.
The trim work on the Bell Tower Aquia is done in Aquia sandstone. It was obtained from Aquia Creek in Stafford County – the same quarry that produced the stone for the White House.
The sandstone for the Bell Tower was re-laminated, repaired and replaced where necessary. Old board joints and missing bricks have been repaired and replaced as well.
The executive director of the Capitol Square Preservation Council, James Wootton, applauded the state Department of General Services, in cooperation with contractors and subcontractors, for getting the work done with “historically professional standards.”
“We have the Bell Tower again today as a reminder of Richmond’s past and of its future, because the bell still tolls for the General Assembly,” Wootton said.
“We’re still providing information for our visitors to Virginia, and I think we are going to have a safe, secure building thanks to the efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution for at least another couple of hundred years.”
The plaque placed on the front of the tower was dedicated to historic preservation.
“The Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution dedicate this marker in grateful recognition of the significance of this site. May it help to keep alive an appreciation of our heritage,” said State Chaplain Carol Howerton.
The Virginia Travel Information Center inside the Bell Tower is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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On the Web
For more information, see the Virginia State Capitol History Project at www.vacapitol.org.
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