Buford Tower

Buford Tower, located along the north shore of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Texas, is a historic structure originally built in 1930 as a drill tower for the Austin Fire Department. Named after Captain James L. Buford, the tower has been transformed into a bell tower and landmark, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2016. After years of neglect, a restoration campaign in 1978 revitalized the tower, adding a carillon bell system that chimes the hours and plays Christmas carols. The tower, designed in an Italianate campanile style, stands 67 feet tall and features distinctive architectural elements such as arched doors and windows. It serves as a memorial site for first responders and is a notable point of interest for visitors exploring Austin's rich history.