Buford Tower

Buford Tower Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Austin Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Buford Tower and Its Historical Significance

Buford Tower stands as a compelling testament to Austin’s civic pride and firefighting legacy. Situated on the north bank of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, this 67-foot Italianate Revival tower was built in 1930 as the Austin Fire Drill Tower, serving as both a fire department training facility and a civic monument. Named in honor of Captain James L. Buford—an Austin firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty—the tower is now a cherished cultural landmark. Its red brick façade, arched windows, and iconic belfry, inspired by Italian campaniles, have made Buford Tower a beloved symbol of Austin’s historical and architectural heritage.

Today, the tower features the Kitchens Memorial Chimes, resonating melodies across downtown and providing the backdrop for remembrance ceremonies and community gatherings. With its scenic location adjacent to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Lady Bird Lake, Buford Tower offers an accessible and enriching experience for both locals and visitors. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Buford Tower: hours, admission, accessibility, nearby attractions, and tips to help you make the most of your visit (AustinTexas.org; Austin History Center; National Park Service).

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting Buford Tower
Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Visual Highlights
Resources and References
Key Historical Timeline
Legacy and Significance
Plan Your Visit

Historical Overview

Origins and Construction

Built in 1930 during a period of rapid urban growth, Buford Tower was designed by Austin architect J. Roy White. It was constructed to serve as the city’s primary fire drill tower, offering firefighters a realistic environment for training. The tower is named for Captain James L. Buford, who died heroically in 1916 (some sources note 1938 or 1972 for separate incidents), symbolizing the dedication and bravery of Austin’s firefighting community (Austin History Center).

Architectural Features

Buford Tower exemplifies Italianate Revival architecture with its slender, 67-foot profile, red brickwork, arched windows, and a bell-shaped roof. Its reinforced concrete floors and steel supports made it ideal for training, while its elegant design set it apart from purely utilitarian fire towers. The aesthetic emphasis reflects Austin’s early 20th-century efforts to integrate beauty into functional civic structures (AustinTexas.org).

Firefighter Training Role

For over four decades, Buford Tower was the heart of firefighter training in Austin. Thousands of firefighters honed their skills in ladder drills, hose management, and high-angle rescues within its walls. Public demonstrations held at the tower fostered community appreciation for the fire department’s work (KUT ATXplained).

Preservation and Restoration

By the 1970s, the tower faced disrepair and demolition. Thanks to advocacy by local citizens and organizations like the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, Buford Tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and underwent comprehensive restoration. The addition of the Kitchens Memorial Chimes, an electronic carillon, in 1978 marked its transition from a training facility to a memorial and cultural landmark (National Park Service; Preservation Austin).

In 2021, a fire caused significant damage, but the city swiftly restored the structure, reopening it in 2023 (ATX Today).

Visiting Buford Tower

Hours, Admission, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: Buford Tower’s exterior and surrounding plaza are accessible year-round, with no restricted hours. The tower is best viewed during daylight for safety and optimal enjoyment.
Admission: There are no tickets or entry fees; visiting Buford Tower is free to all.
Accessibility: The surrounding park and plaza are wheelchair accessible via paved paths. The tower’s interior is not open to the public for safety and preservation reasons.

Getting There and Parking

Buford Tower is located at 201 W Cesar Chavez St, easily reached by public transit (Capital Metro routes 1, 3, and 5), bike-share stations, and nearby parking garages. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which passes the tower, offers a scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians (Evendo).

Guided Tours and Events

Guided Tours: While no regular interior tours are available, the tower is featured on walking tours during Austin heritage festivals and special events.
Events: The Austin Firefighters Association hosts annual memorials, notably for 9/11 and other commemorative occasions. The Kitchens Memorial Chimes play scheduled melodies, including carols during December (Your Biker Gang).

Nearby Attractions

Buford Tower is within walking distance of several Austin highlights:

Texas State Capitol: Iconic state government building and visitor center.
Bullock Texas State History Museum: Exhibits on Texas history and culture.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: Popular for outdoor recreation.
Congress Avenue Bridge: Renowned for its bat watching at dusk.
Lady Bird Lake: Offers boating, kayaking, and scenic views.
Austin Convention Center: Hub for conventions and events (Wanderlog).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Buford Tower’s visiting hours?
A: The exterior and plaza are open to the public at all hours, year-round.

Q: Is there an admission fee or do I need tickets?
A: There is no entry fee or tickets required.

Q: Is the tower wheelchair accessible?
A: The grounds and plaza are accessible, but the tower’s interior is not open to the public.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Special tours may be available during heritage festivals; check event listings for details.

Q: When do the chimes play?
A: The Kitchens Memorial Chimes play hourly melodies, with special performances during holidays and memorials.

Q: Is the site safe to visit?
A: The area is generally safe, but visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, especially after dark.

Visual Highlights

Exterior view of Buford Tower with Lady Bird Lake in the background (alt: “Buford Tower Austin historical site with Lady Bird Lake”)
Close-up of red brickwork and arched windows (alt: “Buford Tower Italianate Revival architecture details”)
Chimes installation (alt: “Kitchens Memorial Chimes at Buford Tower”)
Visitors enjoying the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail nearby (alt: “Visitors at Buford Tower on Austin hike and bike trail”)

Resources and References

For more information or to plan your visit, consult the following official and authoritative resources:

Key Historical Timeline

1916: Captain James L. Buford dies in the line of duty (other memorial incidents noted in 1972).
1930: Tower constructed as Austin Fire Drill Tower.
1930–1970s: Used for firefighter training and public demonstrations.
1974: Decommissioned as a training facility.
1978: Restoration and addition of Kitchens Memorial Chimes; listed on National Register of Historic Places.
2021: Damaged by fire; restoration completed in 2023 (ATX Today).

Legacy and Significance

Buford Tower’s transformation from a functional fire drill facility to a public memorial and cultural landmark reflects Austin’s commitment to historic preservation and community engagement. It is the site of annual firefighter memorials, a backdrop for city events, and a source of inspiration for artists, musicians, and residents alike. The chimes and architectural beauty continue to draw visitors seeking reflection, history, and a tranquil respite in the heart of the city.

Plan Your Visit

Buford Tower is open to visitors year-round, free of charge. Its central location, accessibility, and proximity to major attractions make it an ideal stop for anyone exploring Austin. For the latest event schedules, guided tour availability, and restoration updates, check official sources and consider downloading the Audiala app for curated guides and real-time notifications.

All factual information is sourced from official and reputable resources, including AustinTexas.org, Austin History Center, National Park Service, KUT ATXplained, Preservation Austin, and others as referenced throughout this guide.

Call to Action:
Plan your visit to Buford Tower and immerse yourself in Austin’s rich history and vibrant community life. For more travel guides, real-time updates, and exclusive Austin event notifications, download the Audiala app and follow local heritage organizations.