Hoover Tower

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Hoover Tower is a prominent landmark on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California. Completed in 1941, the tower stands at 285 feet (87 meters) and is an iconic symbol of the university. It was designed by the architect Arthur Brown Jr., who is also known for his work on the San Francisco City Hall.

History

The construction of Hoover Tower was funded by Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, who was a member of Stanford's first graduating class. The tower was built to house the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, which contains a vast collection of documents related to war, revolution, and peace.

The tower was dedicated on June 20, 1941, during Stanford University's 50th anniversary celebration. It was intended to serve as a "symbol of peace" and a repository for knowledge that could help prevent future conflicts.

Architecture

Hoover Tower is designed in the Art Deco style, characterized by its clean lines and geometric shapes. The tower's exterior is clad in buff-colored limestone, and it features a distinctive red-tiled dome at the top, which is a nod to the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that is prevalent on the Stanford campus.

The tower's design includes a series of setbacks that give it a tiered appearance, a common feature in Art Deco skyscrapers. The interior of the tower includes an observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the Stanford campus and the surrounding area.

Function

The primary function of Hoover Tower is to house the Hoover Institution Library and Archives. The library contains millions of documents, including personal papers, government records, and other materials related to 20th-century history. The archives are a valuable resource for researchers studying topics such as World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.

In addition to its role as a library, Hoover Tower is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck, which provides a 360-degree view of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Significance

Hoover Tower is not only a significant architectural landmark but also a symbol of Stanford University's commitment to research and education. The tower's association with Herbert Hoover and its role in preserving historical documents underscore its importance as a center for scholarly activity.

The tower's presence on the Stanford campus serves as a reminder of the university's history and its ongoing mission to contribute to the betterment of society through knowledge and innovation.

Also see

• Stanford University
• Hoover Institution
• Herbert Hoover
• Art Deco architecture
• San Francisco City Hall