The Tower of Compassion, located in Longmont’s Kanemoto Park will be honored at the May 19, 2026, Longmont City Council meeting in recognition of being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

As part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood, History Colorado initiated “Colorado Heritage for All.” This initiative aims to identify 150 places that tell the story of historically underrepresented communities and to add these places to the State Register of Historic Places, and National Register of Historic Places, if eligible.

The Tower of Compassion has been listed on both the State Register of Historic Places and National Register of Historic Places as part of this initiative. Erected in 1973, the Tower was presented to the citizens of Longmont as a gift from the Kanemoto family in appreciation for the community’s empathy for the family and other community members of Japanese descent, particularly during the World War II era.

The Tower stands today as a visual reminder of the Longmont community’s compassion for persons of Japanese descent during a period of extreme xenophobia, as well as a tribute to the Kanemoto family’s many positive contributions to the City of Longmont. It was built as, and remains, the most visually prominent feature in Kanemoto Park. The Tower is also thought to be one of the first traditional Japanese pagodas built east of California.

The Tower of Compassion is one of fewer than 10 historic sites listed on the State Register of Historic Places that recognizes the contributions of the Asian American community in Colorado.

“Listing on the National Register of Historic Places is a tremendous honor,” said Jennifer Hewett-Apperson, staff liaison to the Longmont Historic Preservation Commission. “Its listing recognizes the contributions of the Japanese American community to the City of Longmont, its persecution during World War 2, and the kindness of the Longmont community during that dark time.”

Representatives from History Colorado will present the City of Longmont with a plaque recognizing the Tower of Compassion’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places in the City Council Meeting on May 19, 2026. A proclamation will also be made to recognize May as National Archaeological and Historic Preservation Month.

Media contact:
City of Longmont Public Information Officer
PIO@longmontcolorado.gov or 720-899-0758