Widow's walk

The name is said to come from the wives of mariners, who would watch for their spouses' return, often in vain as the ocean took their lives, leaving the women widows.

However, there is little or no evidence that widow's walks were intended or regularly used to observe shipping.

Widow's walks are in fact a standard decorative feature of Italianate architecture, which was very popular during the height of the Age of Sail in many North American coastal communities.

[2] The Italianate cupola, its larger instance being an archetypal belvedere, was an important ornate finish to this style, although it was often high maintenance and prone to leaks.

[3] Beyond their use as viewing platforms, they are frequently built around the chimney of the residence, thus creating access to the structure.