Shot Tower
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
First in the nation. Built 1808 by Thomas Sparks & John Bishop to make hunting shot, it symbolized a new U.S. industrial independence. Bishop, a Quaker, sold his share when ammunition was made here for the War of 1812. The Sparks family stayed in control until 1903.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Built in 1808 by Thomas Sparks and John Bishop, this was the first shot tower in the United States, where molten lead was dropped from a great height to form perfectly round hunting shot as it cooled. When the works began producing ammunition for the War of 1812, Bishop, a Quaker opposed to war, sold his share. The Sparks family kept the tower in operation until 1903.
Why it matters
The Shot Tower symbolized America's push for industrial self-sufficiency, freeing the young nation from dependence on imported manufactures just as it faced war with Britain.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer1.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall2.0 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall2.0 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.0 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.1 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House2.1 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck1.3 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.3 mi away
- Italian market1.5 mi away · Christian Street
- Reading Terminal1.7 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.7 mi away
- American Bandstand1.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden1.8 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily1.8 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon1.8 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe1.9 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill1.9 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.9 mi away
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City1.3 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City1.3 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites1.4 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express1.4 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn1.4 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City1.5 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Thomas Sparks
- · John Bishop
Themes & tags
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