Monument Tower

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The angelic Monument Tower.

“Look at her, ain't she some kind of beauty. You know, that's where all the immigrants used to pass through."”

― Male Civilian

Monument Tower is a colossal statue made in the likeness of the Archangel Columbia which serves as a major landmark in the floating city. It is the main attraction on Monument Island, but can be seen most anywhere in the city.

History

A profile of the statue's face.

Built by the architects under the leadership of Zachary Hale Comstock, Monument Tower served as the iconic center of Columbia. According to the "Gospel of Columbia," God delivered Comstock a female heir after a miraculous seven day pregnancy by Lady Comstock. The child would be raised in Monument Tower until she would eventually succeed Comstock as ruler of Columbia. At least, that was the cover story.

A replica of Monument Tower in the Hand of the Prophet.

In reality, Monument Tower was constructed to cover Comstock's lie. When he brought the infant Elizabeth to Columbia, Lady Comstock was enraged, accused him of infidelity, and refused to let the child be raised in her home. Though ostensibly a landmark as the home for "The Miracle Child", it's angelic façade masked its utilitarian purpose. The structure functions as a gilded cage to keep Elizabeth held in safety; not only could individuals who might want to harm or exploit her not get in, she herself could not get out. The lower part of the statue contains a private research facility housing the Siphon, a giant machine designed to contain and harness Elizabeth's powers. The upper part of the statue holds Specimen Observation, where Elizabeth is observed on a daily basis.

The citizens of Columbia would often make pilgrimages to the public visitation area at the tower to pray. Eventually as Elizabeth reached maturity, her powers became too much for the Siphon to fully contain. The facility was closed to both visitors and research staff because of the danger.

BioShock Infinite

The souvenir postcard given to Booker

Main article: BioShock Infinite

Booker DeWitt is initially given, among other things, a postcard featuring the Tower at the Maine Lighthouse.

Town Center

When Booker first enters Columbia and arrives in Town Center, he uses the postcard to orient himself. The entrance to the Monument Island Gateway can be seen in the Raffle Square, but Booker inadvertently reveals himself to the Columbian Police, forcing him to detour through Shady Lane and the Comstock Center Rooftops.

Monument Island

A bird in her cage.

After a harrowing encounter with Comstock on board a Security Zeppelin, Booker makes it through the Gateway and ventures into the abandoned Monument Island. Climbing his way through the Tower, he discovers that scientists have been keeping a close eye on Elizabeth with recordings and observations. He falls into the Library, where Elizabeth is understandably terrified at the presence of this unknown intruder, but is then intrigued. Just then, Elizabeth's guardian, the Songbird, appears when summoned by a Whistler and starts attacking the intruder, destroying the building in the process. Booker and Elizabeth narrowly manage to escape just as the statue starts coming apart and the Sky-Lines are destroyed.

Battleship Bay

The destroyed Monument Tower viewed from Battleship Bay.

Booker and Elizabeth end up in the waters at Battleship Bay relatively unharmed. As they try to make their way to the airship The First Lady in order to escape the floating city, the clouds suddenly drift away, revealing the destroyed Tower. Citizens on the boardwalk are notably distraught at the damage while Elizabeth feels remorse for the loss of her former home.

Hall of Heroes

The Tower in the First Lady Memorial

The Tower makes a symbolic appearance in the First Lady's Memorial exhibit in the Hall of Heroes. "The Transport of the Child" depicts Comstock carrying the infant Elizabeth to the Tower for safekeeping against the anarchist Daisy Fitzroy.

Hand of the Prophet

Songbird destroying what's left of the Tower.

On board the Hand of the Prophet Booker and Elizabeth discover a model of the Tower near Comstock's quarters showing the Siphon running throughout its base which functions to dampen Elizabeth's powers.

Later, they have to defend the Hand of the Prophet from an assault by the Vox Populi. Once their zeppelin reaches Monument Island, Elizabeth hands a Whistler to Booker who plays the notes C-A-G-E, whereupon Songbird destroys what remains of the tower, and with it, the Siphon inside.

Burial at Sea - Episode 2

A large picture of the Tower in the Silver Fin.

Main article: Burial at Sea - Episode 2

When Elizabeth enters the Silver Fin Restaurant while journeying through the Housewares department of Fontaine's in Rapture, she discovers that Dr. Yi Suchong has been observing and photographing Columbia through various Tears. One of these Tears gave him a view of Monument Tower, and a large photo of the statue is displayed front and center in the reception area of the restaurant.

Gallery

The closed Gondola to the Monument Island Gateway.

The entrance to the tower.

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The side of Monument Tower.

The tower comes apart.

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Elizabeth looking at Monument Tower cross-section model with Siphon visible.

Elizabeth gives Booker the Whistler.

The destruction of the Siphon.