Towers are elevated structures built in vineyards, near temples, and above defensive works. He “built a tower in the midst of” a fenced vineyard planted with “the choicest vine,” where he also made a wine-press (2 Nephi 15:2).
King Noah fled from Gideon and “got upon the tower which was near the temple.” Gideon pursued Noah and was about to ascend the tower when Noah looked toward the land of Shemlon and saw the Lamanite army within the land’s borders (Mosiah 19:5-6).
Captain Moroni caused towers to be erected overlooking works of pickets and built “places of security” upon them, where Lamanite stones and arrows could not hurt those inside. People on the towers could cast stones from their tops at those approaching the city walls (Alma 50:4; Alma 50:5). The Lamanites took men, women, and children “from the tower of Sherrizah” as prisoners (Moroni 9:7).