Albritton Bell Tower

Before dawn I was headed out for my morning caffeine fix, figuring I would do some sunrise photos somewhere in College Station TX. However, my route... more

by Joan Carroll

Title

Albritton Bell Tower

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photograph

Description

Before dawn I was headed out for my morning caffeine fix, figuring I would do some sunrise photos somewhere in College Station TX. However, my route took me past Albritton Tower, one of the most readily identifiable landmarks on the Texas A&M campus. It was lit up in nighttime splendor but with dawn coming fast, this scene wouldn't last long. I hated to do it but coffee would have to wait! Despite its rather classic appearance, Albritton Tower is a fairly recent addition to campus. It was donated to the university on Oct. 6, 1984, by Ford D. and Martha Albritton. The site in which Albritton Tower is located was the original entrance to Texas A&M's campus. The tower stands at 138 feet tall, with an inscription at the base that reads: "I ring with pride and honor for all past, present and future students of Texas A&M University." It may be known for its noticeable height, but the Westminster chimes inside the tower also make it a very vocal campus landmark. There are 49 bells in the tower, cast by the Paccard Bell Foundry in Nice France and weighing a total of 17 short tons (34,000 lb; 15,000 kg). The largest bell weighs 6,500 pounds (2,900 kg). The bells ring every quarter-hour and are also programmed to play music such as The Spirit of Aggieland, patriotic songs, and hymns.

FEATURED PHOTO, Million Visitors Artists group, 3/8/20

FEATURED PHOTO, Night in Art group, 12/26/19

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FEATURED PHOTO, Premium FAA Artists group, 8/30/14

FEATURED PHOTO, Texas Landscape and Landmark Photography group, 8/29/14

Uploaded

August 27th, 2014