Salem Waterworks Marker

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Winston-Salem in Forsyth County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Salem Waterworks

By Michael C. Wilcox, January 26, 2012

1. Salem Waterworks Marker

Inscription. In 1771, the Moravian Town of Salem completed construction of one of the first public waterworks systems in the American Colonies. Tapping natural springs located nearby, the system used bored logs, joined and buried underground, to deliver the water a mile away. The waterworks supplied water to public stand pipes in Salem's streets, and inside spigots in several of Salem's buildings. Completed in just two months, the system provided water not just for drinking, but for fire protection and commercial needs as well. George Washington stopped to view the waterworks in 1791 during his Southern Tour. In 1808, new ceramic pipes were installed, but eventually failed due to high water pressure. A pump-driven waterworks replaced the original system in 1828.

Erected 2011 by Winston-Salem Historic Marker Program.

Location. 36° 5.73′ N, 80° 15.08′ W. Marker is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in Forsyth County. Marker is at the intersection of W. 2nd St. and Shady Blvd, on the left on W. 2nd St.. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winston Salem NC 27101, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert B. Glenn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Shamrock Mills (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Forsyth County Men (approx. 0.4 miles away); African-American West End Area (approx. 0.4 miles away); Our Confederate Dead (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hotel Zinzendorf (approx. 0.4 miles away); Safe Bus Company (approx. 0.4 miles away); City Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Winston-Salem.

By Michael C. Wilcox, January 26, 2012

2. Salem Waterworks Marker

Also see . . .
1. W-S Marker Program. (Submitted on January 26, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.)
2. W-S Marker Program page (pdf). (Submitted on March 13, 2013, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.)

By Michael C. Wilcox, January 26, 2012

3. Salem Waterworks Marker

Credits. This page originally submitted on January 26, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 173 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 26, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.