Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Water Works Pumping Station
Water Tower
~Front~
Louisville Water Co. incorporated in 1854. Its first pumping station, in Classical Revival style, blends beauty and utility. The classic structures were designed and built by Theodore R. Scowden and his assistant, Charles Hermany. Built 1857-60, it could pump 12 million gallons in 24 hours. Site was away from industry, well elevated, with good landing for coal boats. Over.
~Back~
The 169-foot tower encloses a water standpipe. It represents a Roman column in the Doric order. The base is surrounded by Corinthian columns, nine topped by Greek classical figures and one by an American Indian. Tower damaged by a tornado in 1890. The station and its water tower were named National Landmarks in Nov. 1971. Presented by Friends of the Water Tower.
Erected 1981 by Friends of the Water Tower, Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Transportion. (Marker Number 1689.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1971.
Location. 38° 16.814′ N, 85° 42.079′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Zorn Avenue and River Road, on the right when traveling north on Zorn Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3005 River Road, Louisville KY 40207, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Water Filtration Experiments (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisville Water Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Hospital (approx. 1.1 miles away in Indiana); Patriots Peace Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); Beechland (approx. 1˝ miles away); The Heigold Facade (approx. 1.7 miles away); Mockingbird Valley (approx. 1.8 miles away); Kentucky School for the Blind (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.
Also see . . .
1. Louisville Water Tower Park. (Submitted on February 25, 2014, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.)
2. YouTube: Restoration of Louisville Water's 1860 Pumping Station video. (Submitted on February 25, 2014, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.)
3. Images of Water Company Pumping Station (now Louisville Visual Art Association). (Submitted on February 25, 2014, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2014, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This page has been viewed 580 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2014, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.