Rising 215 feet above Baltimore, the Phoenix Shot Tower was once the tallest structure in the United States and a key part of early American industry. Built in 1828, this towering brick cylinder produced flawless lead shot for muskets and rifles using a gravity-driven cooling process—molten lead was dropped from the top, solidifying into perfect spheres before landing in a water basin below.

One of the last remaining shot towers in the country, it’s a fascinating relic of Baltimore’s past. Guided tours explore the tower’s innovative engineering, its role in 19th-century manufacturing, and the workers who braved its dizzying heights. Located near historic Jonestown, the Phoenix Shot Tower offers a rare chance to experience a forgotten piece of industrial history.