View of the James River from atop The Carillon

The Carillon in Richmond’s Byrd Park is in view from many vantage points in the city and after getting my own chance at the view, Richmond and the James River look even more impressive from the tower. The City of Richmond granted me permission to get to the top of the 240-foot Carillon, which was built between […]

June 1, 2011; 7:02 AM • by Phil Riggan

The City of Richmond granted me permission to get to the top of the 240-foot Carillon, which was built between 1924 and 1928 as a lasting memorial to Virginia’s World War I servicemen and servicewomen.

The view of the downtown skyline, the James River (Main Area, Main Area West and Pony Pasture), the Atlantic Coast Line Bridge, Byrd Park and beyond was amazing. I got to see the huge bells and ride the ancient elevator. [See large versions on my flickr account]

The Carillon itself is amazing and another of Richmond’s most important and useful treasures. I have wanted for years to get to the top of the tower and couldn’t have asked for better weather or conditions to see the city. I’m so happy that the city has opened it for more public meetings and events the past few years. From the marker:

The Carillon, Virginia’s War Memorial for World War I, was erected by the Commonwealth of Virginia to commemorate those who served. Designed by noted Boston architect Ralph Adams Cram, it is an interpretation of the Italian companile in Georgian classicism. A commission was formed in 1922 to study a design and a site, but public campaigns altered the initial proposal and delayed construction until 1931. The tower was completed and dedicated on 15 October 1932. The Carillon reaches a height of 240 feet and its bells were originally intended to ring out patriotic concerts. The City of Richmond has maintained this structure since its construction.