Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower

The Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower, simply referred to as "the bell tower," is a functioning bell tower located on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. It is a 172 foot tall tower with a Roman numeral clock built in on each of the four sides of the tower. The top of the bell tower holds an observation area. It is topped by a conical spire structure. The area around the bell tower is surrounded by hedges and a grass lawn designed by a University botany professor Coker, who also designed the Coker Arboretum on campus. The tower is one of the most visible landmarks on campus.HistoryThe idea of erecting a bell tower on the University of North Carolina campus was originally suggested by John Motley Morehead III in the 1920s, but it was denied several times by the University because of conflicts regarding the location. When the idea was finally approved, the construction began with the funding of two sponsors, Morehead and Rufus Lenoir Patterson II. The tower was designed by McKim, Mead & White, an architectural firm.The tower was dedicated and received by Governor Oliver Max Gardner on Thanksgiving day of 1931 with an acceptance address.BelfryThe belfry originally began with 12 manually operated bells made by Meneely Bell Foundry in 1931. It is currently equipped with 14 mechanized bells with the addition of 2 bells by Petit & Fritsen in 1998. The names of prominent figures in the University history, Governor John Motley Morehead and William Lenoir, are inscribed on the two largest bells.