Bell Tower
Why it's listed
Rising in Capitol Square in Richmond, this square, three-story brick tower was built in 1824 by Levi Swain to replace an earlier wooden structure. It has one bay on each side, with a wide recessed arch above the first floor holding a rectangular window topped by a round one. A simple cornice supports a domed, arcaded octagonal belvedere with a wooden balustrade, which houses the bell. The tower began as a guardhouse for the Public Guard and as a signal tower for emergencies and meetings. Its bell announced the approach of the Federal gunboat Pawnee on April 21, 1861, and sounded the alarm for Dahlgren's Raid on February 7, 1864. The bell now in the tower dates from 1933. Apart from repointing and a replacement balustrade, the building has changed little. Its Federal-style design and its position as a focal point at the end of Franklin Street contributed to its recognition.
Significance in brief: The tower replaced an earlier wooden one and served as a guardhouse for the Public Guard and a signal tower for emergencies and meetings. Its bell sounded alarms during the Civil War, including the approach of the gunboat Pawnee in 1861 and Dahlgren's Raid in 1864. The nomination also praises its design and its role as a focal point at the end of Franklin Street.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 69000347, listed June 11, 1969. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Capitol Sq., Richmond (Independent City) |
|---|---|
| County | Richmond (city and county) |
| Listed | June 11, 1969 |
| Reference number | 69000347 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 (19th century); specific date 1824 |
| Architect / builder | Levi Swain |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition listed as fair; relatively unchanged apart from repointing of the brickwork and replacement of the balustrade. Listed as occupied and used as headquarters for the First Virginia Regiment. |
| Acreage | 14.1 |
| Within district | James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District |
| Coordinates | 37.53914, -77.43493 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 69000347.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q121323871
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.