The Dubuque Shot Tower in Ruins 1869

HUGHES, LULL

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 2/13/2016 at 10:21:42

The Herald, Tuesday, March 23, 1869

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE
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The Dubuque Shot Tower in
Ruins
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On Sunday morning, around four o’clock, fire was discovered in the Dubuque shot tower, at the head of Julien Avenue, and it had already progressed so far that no effort could save the building from destruction. The tower was closed on Saturday night, and everything left safe, as was supposed. How the fire was communicated to the building is unknown.

The Dubuque shot tower was rebuilt in 1855, having been destroyed by fire in 1854. It was a brick structure and well supplied with machinery for the business, run by steam engine. James Hughes was the owner, and by this stroke of bad luck finds himself some thousands of dollars poorer. The shot tower was valued at about $8,000, and was insured for $3,000 in the Home Company, of New York, Dr. Lull agent. Nothing was saved from the fire. The shot tower will be rebuilt soon, we understand.