A Legend in Stone
The Memorial Belltower is one of NC State’s best-known symbols and among its most Hallowed Places, but how much do you really know about its extraordinary story?
The Memorial Belltower, its cornerstone dating to 1921, was built to honor the sacrifice of NC State alumni who lost their lives to military service in World War I. The Shrine Room, as the space at the tower’s base is known, contains a plaque listing their names. Now one of our campus’s most Hallowed Places, the tower stands as the best-known symbol of our university, a landmark and gateway to campus. It has become a place of reflection as well as celebration, bringing together generations of the Wolfpack in one iconic location.
Powered by a lead gift from the Henry family to the university’s Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign, an amazing 2019-21 completion and restoration project added 55 bells, at long last, as well as other improvements. Throughout the project, we shared the story of the Belltower’s history, makeover, philanthropic support and more — a story of people that was a century in the making. The following are some of those important features.
“Memorial”
Belltower
The Belltower’s primary function is to honor NC State alumni who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces during World War I.
Learn about these patriotic Pack members and their impact on our university, nation and world.
Massive
Monument
The Belltower is made of 1,400 tons of granite set on a 700-ton concrete base. Caring for it all is a truly monumental undertaking.
Be part of the effort to preserve and protect our “Forever Belltower.”
Graduation Destination
The Belltower is NC State’s most photographed landmark, largely due to the thousands of graduation photos taken there each year.
See some of the snapshots captured at the Belltower and share your own.
Memorial Belltower Virtual Tour
![A 3-D view of the Memorial Belltower](https://giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/05/matterport-belltower-1024x576.jpeg)
Made Possible by the pack
A Hundred Years, a Thousand Words
Photos of the Memorial Belltower’s reopening and the dedication of Henry Square help tell the story of this extraordinary part of NC State’s campus.
Help Power the Pack
Proceeds from the Belltower Collection line of clothing, inspired by the Memorial Belltower, go to support NC State students via a special scholarship endowment.