It is considered the symbol of Roslyn and appears on that village's official seal.

[2][3] The clock tower was constructed in 1895 as a memorial to Ellen E. Ward (1826–1893), who was a prominent and active Roslyn resident best known for donating the historic horse trough located within the village.

[2][4] The tower was designed by the firm of Lamb & Rich.

[4][6] The rehabilitation efforts experienced delays in the 2000s due to various reasons, including trouble securing grant money from New York following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

[6] The rehabilitation efforts were finally completed after 11 years in 2006.