Memorial Belltower at Henry Square
A Symbol of Inspiration to the Wolfpack
Since it’s construction was completed in 1937, the Memorial Belltower has stood as a symbol of identity for NC State, a timekeeper for tradition and a perpetual memorial to NC State students who gave their lives in defense of their country during World War I. The Belltower is one of NC State’s 10 Hallowed Places.
As well as a memorial, the tower is a rallying point for students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the university community. It’s also a place for celebration after winning a big game, as well as the starting point for the Krispy Kreme Challenge – a five mile race held each year. The task? Run to the nearby Krispy Kreme, eat a dozen doughnuts and run back to the belltower in under an hour.
The Belltower is lit for holidays that honor our veterans, such as Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day, and to celebrate NC State’s proudest occasions and achievements.
Powered by a lead gift from the Henry family to the university’s Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign, a completion and restoration project added 55 bells, as well as other improvements to the Belltower.
Meet Dr. Stafford and hear his experience of the Memorial Belltower:
A Hallowed Place
Recognized as one of NC State’s 10 Hallowed Places, the Memorial Belltower stands at the heart of the university’s history.
A Community Landmark
From celebrations to moments of reflection, the Belltower serves as a central gathering place for students, alumni and visitors.
A Symbol of Identity
Built as a memorial to NC State students who lost their lives in World War I, the Belltower has become an enduring symbol of the Wolfpack.
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3D Tour Description
The Memorial Belltower is NC State’s most iconic landmark. Located at the corner of Hillsborough Street and Pullen Road, the site consists of a large, open granite plaza known as Henry Square and the towering 115-foot stone monument itself.
The surrounding plaza, Henry Square, is a wide, flat expanse paved with light-gray granite pavers. The area is completely open, providing clear lines of sight from all directions. Tactile transitions exist where the stone plaza meets the surrounding grass lawns and brick-lined sidewalks of Hillsborough Street.
The Tower itself is built of granite and sits on a stepped base. The base features large bronze plaques on each side, which are deeply recessed into the stone and provide a tactile history of the tower’s dedication.
The interior of the Belltower is home to the Shrine Room, a small, solemn and highly resonant space located at the base of the tower. Access is through heavy, ornate bronze doors. Inside the room, a large bronze plaque lists the names of the 34 NC State alumni who died in World War I. The names are raised from the surface, providing a tactile element to the memorial. The interior floor is polished stone, maintaining a smooth, level surface consistent with the exterior plaza.
While the upper levels of the tower are generally not open to the public, the interior contains a spiral staircase and a mechanical room for the bells.
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