Capitol Clock Ticking Again
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A piece of history on the Alabama Capitol building is finally working again.
The clock was fixed in time for this week’s inauguration and we got an exclusive look at the new system.
The clock hasn’t really worked for the last 30 years or so, but now you can hear it chime every hour. And it actually tells the right time.
You might have missed it with all of the events going on during the governor’s inauguration, but this sound signaled the end of a project that’s been in the works for a long time.
Originally a gift from the city of Montgomery in 1852, the old clock parts now rest in the capitol’s basement.
“It was fantastic because you get to see the evolution of technology with the clock pieces. You get to see how things developed during the industrial revolution to the modern technology with electricity, modern motors, and into the digital age,” said Stephen McNair.
McNair is in charge of historic sites with the Alabama Historical Commission. He took me up a narrow staircase to the roof of the capitol to see what powers the new clock.
Even though the original bell still sits atop the capitol, it’s been replaced by a new digital system.
Things have changed a lot since this clock was originally built. Take a look on the inside and things look very different from what you’d expect.
All of those gears have been replaced by a new digital system that’s always on time. The whole project cost about 35 thousand dollars and was paid for by the governor’s inaugural foundation.
The capitol is a big stop for tourists, including Josh Kelley and his family.
“Well we’ve just been all over the south and we came out of birmingham today and literally got into montgomery because we want to see the state capitol. It’s really cool to hear the clock is working. It’s a beautiful city,” said Kelley.
The new and improved clock tower was dedicated to the people of Alabama, and McNair thinks it’s a nice addition to another project.
“This is a real treat for the city of montgomery and the state of alabama. We also believe it’s the final piece to the restoration of Dexter Avenue. With this coming to the close for the 50th anniversary march, this is the final piece to add a correct historical context to the march,” said McNair.
