Definition
A shot tower is a tall, slender structure used to manufacture lead shot for firearms. Molten lead is dropped from the top of the tower, and as it falls, surface tension forms it into spherical shot. The shot then cools and solidifies in a water-filled basin at the bottom. Think of it as a giant, lead-raining factory. These towers were common in the 18th and 19th centuries before more efficient methods were developed. Shot towers are now rare historical landmarks.