Samford Hall's clock tower is the most recognized part of Samford Hall. While the clock tower, to some, is just a large clock that chimes on the hour and plays “War Eagle” at noon, to others, it may be one of the most important representatives of the university. It’s a place with hundreds of signatures, the site of numerous graduations and engagements, and one of the most consistently photographed areas across campus.
Originally placed in 1889 after the completion of Samford Hall in 1888, “Big Sam,” as the tower structure was affectionally named in the ’40s, is one of the most important symbols in Auburn history. Placed while still part of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, the clock faces are about 112 feet from the ground, situated on the tallest tower on campus, 154 feet at the roof and 176 feet at the weathervane.
The original clockworks were built by the Seth Thomas Clock Company of Thomaston, Connecticut. The clock tower has undergone numerous repairs and upgrades in its life span, from the replacement of the manual chime system to an electronic carillon in 1977, then a newer one in 1995 made by the Verdin Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1995, the original hand crank system which required being cranked every week to keep proper time was replaced with an electric system. A portion of the original clockworks and an original clockface are on display in the reception area of Samford Hall.