Eagles & Hooded Knight Towers!
Washburn park tower - Tangletown Neighborhood, Minneapolis Minnesota.
The design began with eight columns and a simple domed top, all made from concrete. Originally it did’t cause much excitement or attention. But later when the plaster eagles and guards were finished and hauled in by truck, people gathered to watch. Harry Wild Jones was clearing land to build his house when he was attacked by an eagle. After some struggle, reportedly the eagle was injured. It was bought into town and its wingspan was measured at 7 feet. Possibly as some sort of an homage, the Washburn Water Tower is topped with eight eagles. Each looking over the looking over the neighborhood in true compass directions. Even more noticeable is the eight hooded knights on the buttresses of the tower. They are known as the “Guardians of Health,” and are to symbolize watching over or guarding the water supply. In 1893 when the tower was being build Minnesota was experiencing typhoid outbreak. The eight-ton sculptures on the tower were to assure residents of its cleanliness. Washburn Water Tower today is more of more as a Minneapolis landmark than functional. It no longer provides water. The tower was placed on the Register of National Historic Places in 1983. www.highergrounddrone.com #forestlakemn #wyomingmn #chisagolakes #centercitymn #stacymn #meinminnesota #explorechisagolakes #lakesareachamber #linstrommn #watertower #tangletown #atlasobscura
