Castle Craig was dedicated October 29, 1900. The 32-foot-high tower stands on the 976-foot East Peak in Meriden's Olmstead-designed Hubbard Park, and it has the distinction of being the highest point within 25 miles of the coast from Maine to Florida. Its design origins are uncertain: some say its native trap rock construction resembles Norman watchtowers on Europe's Rhine River, while others claim it was modeled on and named after an ancient castle in Scotland. Meriden industrialist Walter Hubbard donated the tower and the surrounding park, which Meriden named after him. The tower is one of the highlights of the 1800-acre park. From its observation deck, looking south, one can observe Long Island Sound and, on a clear day, the outline of Long Island itself; to the north, southern Massachusetts' Berkshire Hills come into view. Hubbard Park is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick