Retreat Tower

About

The Retreat Tower with its Gothic crenellations resembles a medieval battlement. It was built by staff and patients of the Asylum using stone taken from the site and from a quarry on West Dummerston Road. Until 1892, visitors were allowed to climb the interior masonry stairway to view the Asylum grounds and the Connecticut River. The paths around the tower provided outdoor time for patients and their attendants. Sadly, it’s believed several patients ended their lives by leaping from the tower. The site is now connected to various paranormal accounts.

Research & Production

Audio Narrators: Beth Kiendl & William Stearns
(both former longtime employees of Brattleboro Retreat)

Ongoing Development and Involvement:
As a community-created project, we encourage ongoing dialogue, questions, and engagement. If you would like to be involved in future developments, have information or a perspective that could deepen others' understanding of this topic, please contact us.