Munfordville in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
The Pump Tower
Circa 1915
When a town was settled, the settlers most often chose the site because of a nearby crossroads, or, more importantly, because of nearby natural resources - especially water. Town founder Richard Munford had the best of both here, with the easy ford across Green River. But the land above the floodplain had many sinkholes, and sinking streams. Water was near, and plenty of it; but it had to be raised upward from below.
Munfordville's first pumping system was built at the instruction and expense of Simon Bolivar Buckner, who, as the biggest boy in his school, had to trudge down the hill and back to carry water for the school. He swore that when he grew up no other boy would ever have to do so, and he kept his word.
That system, located northwest of here by a spring, eventually fell into disrepair, and the pump tower before you was constructed by C.R. Carden to elevate river water to town level. It stands today, however, simply as a marker in time - by the 1950s a later brick structure replaced this tower, itself at last replaced by the water treatment facility you passed on your way here.
Erected by City of Munfordville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 37° 16.207′ N, 85° 53.071′ W. Marker is in Munfordville, Kentucky, in Hart County. Marker can be reached from River Road east of Old Street. Part of a series of markers in Thelma Stovall Park highlighting the history of Munfordville, this marker is situated on the walking track that circles the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Munfordville KY 42765, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Living on the Land (a few steps from this marker); Return of the Natives (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); L&N Railroad Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Amos' Ferry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Munford Inn (approx. ¼ mile away); Thelma Hawkins Stovall (approx. ¼ mile away); Pontooniers! (approx. ¼ mile away); The Great Buffalo Crossing (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Munfordville.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 888 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.