The Boston Clock Tower: More Than Just a Pretty Face (Well, It Is Pretty Though)
Ah, the Boston Clock Tower. You've seen it in pictures, you've maybe even seen it from afar while chowing down on a giant Fenway Park hot dog (respect the commitment), but what is this majestic timekeeper in the heart of Beantown? Buckle up, history buffs and trivia nerds, because we're about to dive deeper than a clam chowder spoon into this Boston icon.
From Humble Beginnings to Soaring Heights (Literally)
The clock tower isn't actually part of some ancient castle, though it wouldn't look out of place in a Disney movie. It's actually the crown jewel of the Boston Custom House, a historic building that started life way back in the 1830s as a place to deal with all things import and export. But the feds got a bit of a Napoleon complex in 1913 and decided the Custom House needed a grander entrance. Enter the clock tower, which, at the time, was one of the tallest buildings in the city. Take that, King George!
A Clock with a Storied Past (and Maybe a Few Screws Loose)
The clock itself is a bit of a character. At 22 feet in diameter, it's like a giant pizza you can't eat (and probably shouldn't try to climb). The hands are made of fancy gold leaf-covered redwood, and let's just say keeping this timepiece ticking wasn't always smooth sailing. For years, the clock had a bit of a time management problem (pun intended) thanks to a wimpy motor. Finally, in the 1960s, they gave it an upgrade, and hopefully, it's been keeping good time ever since.
So, Can You Actually Go Up There?
This is the million-dollar question (or maybe the ten-dollar lobster roll question, depending on your priorities). The answer? Sort of. The top of the tower is technically an observation deck with stunning views of the city. But access is limited, so you might have to do some fancy footwork to snag a spot.
## Fun Facts That Will Make You Sound Smart at Your Next Cocktail Party
- The clock tower was originally supposed to be even taller, but local height restrictions put the kibosh on that plan. Sorry, Boston, no shadow-casting over the rest of the city.
- The Custom House is now a Marriott Hotel. You can stay there and pretend you're the keeper of time itself (although housekeeping might have something to say about that).
- There's a rumor that the ghost of a disgruntled customs agent haunts the halls, but that could just be because he never got over that time they seized his shipment of powdered wigs.
## Clock Tower FAQs
How to get to the Clock Tower?
The Boston Custom House is located at 40 Central Street in Boston. Public transportation is your best bet, as parking can be tricky.
How tall is the Clock Tower?
The tower stands at a respectable 496 feet.
How do I visit the observation deck?
Call the Marriott Boston Custom House to inquire about observation deck access. Be prepared for limited hours and potentially needing to make reservations.
How much does it cost to visit the observation deck?
There is likely a fee associated with visiting the observation deck, but contact the Marriott for confirmation.
How often does the clock tower chime?
If you're looking for a serenade every hour, you're out of luck. The clock tower chimes only twice a day, weather permitting.
