The History of the Pagoda

The Pagoda, originally known as the Observation Tower, was designed in 1890 by Charles H. Latrobe, then Superintendent of Parks. Erected on Fort Hill, also known as Hampstead Hill, the Pagoda still stands on this site. The design was approved by the Parks Commission in 1891 and construction began in June of that same year under contract with Cornelius Sheehan, at a low bid of $16,730.

Construction took six months. In 1892, the lower section was enclosed in glass and metal tread-plates were placed on the steps, bringing the total cost to $18,875. It is an octagonal, sixty foot high, four-story observation tower. While known as the Pagoda because of its oriental architectural appearance, the design was intended to reflect the bold Victorian style of the day. From the hill one can view downtown, the suburbs, and the Baltimore harbor.

Over time and due to natural decay, vandalism, and lack of maintenance funds, the Pagoda was closed to the public in 1951 when the first of a series of partial renovations was attempted. Since then, there have been two other attempts to restore the Pagoda, one in 1984 and the other in 1991. Both attempts relied solely on the work of neighborhood volunteers. While this work undoubtedly saved the Pagoda from being lost outright (demolition had been proposed as an option at one point), the repairs were not substantial enough to address chronic problems. New regulations on lead paint removal brought volunteer efforts to a standstill.

A Master Plan for Patterson Park, developed by the city planners and local residents, calls for the complete restoration of the Pagoda. State and local funds and a grant from the Maryland Historic Trust (a total of $430,000 from all sources), financed the project. The architectural firm of Kann and Associates was hired to prepare construction drawings. The restoration was completed in the spring of 2002.

The Pagoda is open 12 noon to 6pm on Sundays from May - October. Appointments and special group tours welcomed, please call for further information at (410) 276-3676.