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

Salem Waterworks

Photographed 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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Man-Made Features • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1771.

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.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winston Salem NC 27101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Robert B. Glenn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spruce Street YMCA (approx. 0.2 miles away); Shamrock Mills (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nell Davis Britton (approx. ¼ mile away); Earline King (approx. ¼ mile away); Rosemary Harris (approx. ¼ mile away); Flonnie T. Anderson (approx. ¼ mile away); Agnew Hunter Bahnson House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winston-Salem.

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 26, 2012

2. Salem Waterworks Marker

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 26, 2012

3. Salem Waterworks Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 746 times since then and 32 times this year. 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.