This tower once formed part of the St.James Church which was constructed in CE 1806 shortly after the establishment of the Cantonment at Karnal.In 1841, when the cantonment was shifted to Ambala, the church was dismantled. But this tower built out of the public subscription, was left standing. The tower having four storeys shows on the first storey the use of Etruscan pilaster. The top storey is provided with semicircular Roman arches. The entire surface is plastered in lime and shows fine panelling work.
In view of its historical importance it was declared protected as a monument of national importance vide notification no. PN, 24847 dated 14.10.1921.