Anaheim in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Pelton Wheel
Photographed By Denise Boose, May 11, 2012
1. The Pelton Wheel Marker
Inscription.
The Pelton Wheel. . According to legend, Lester Pelton got his idea for a more powerful waterwheel from seeing a cow stick its nose into a stream of water. Patented in 1878, the divided metal cups of Pelton's wheel worked much the same way as the cleft between the cow's nostrils, enabling water to flow out to the sides, instead of bouncing straight back out of the cups. The water-powered wheel sent compressed air through pipes to drive pumps, drills, triphammers, and hoists in the mines. This simple concept proved so effective in turning the wheel faster and more efficiently that it is still used today in modern turbines around the world.
According to legend, Lester Pelton got his idea for a more powerful waterwheel from seeing a cow stick its nose into a stream of water. Patented in 1878, the divided metal cups of Pelton's wheel worked much the same way as the cleft between the cow's nostrils, enabling water to flow out to the sides, instead of bouncing straight back out of the cups. The water-powered wheel sent compressed air through pipes to drive pumps, drills, triphammers, and hoists in the mines. This simple concept proved so effective in turning the wheel faster and more efficiently that it is still used today in modern turbines around the world.
Erected by Disney California Adventure Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 33° 48.404′ N, 117° 55.258′ W. Marker is in Anaheim, California, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Disneyland Drive. The marker is located by Grizzly River Run in Disney California Adventure Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim CA 92802, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Steam Donkey (within shouting distance of this marker); Carthay Circle Theatre (about 600 feet away, measured
Pelton Wheel Photo courtesy of Eastman Studio Postcards
Photographed By Denise Boose, May 11, 2012
6. Lester Pelton Photo Courtesy of Searles Historic Library
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2012. This page has been viewed 855 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on August 27, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 14, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
