Millcreek Township near Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Expanding Erie
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 12, 2019
Water for a Growing City
As the industrial revolution brought tremendous growth to the city of Erie, the need for a more reliable water supply became apparent. A water intake was constructed in the bay in 1867. After continued typhoid fever outbreaks, city planners decided to extend the pipe into Lake Erie.
In 1904, the Commonwealth transferred 175 acres of peninsula land to the city for expansion of the water line. A channel was dug through the peninsula for a 60-inch diameter steel intake pipe. The pipe extends nearly 2 miles into the lake. On September 16, 1908 the first drops of water from the lake were delivered to the city of Erie.
Along with expansion of the waterline came additional infrastructure on the park, much of which is still visible today. The house to your left was built in 1927 as a residence for the caretaker of Waterworks. Visitors arrived at the ferry slip behind you to picnic at the shelters or enjoy the lake. Stroll the path to the beach and read about the rich history of this important area to the city of Erie and the park.
[Captions:]
The small tower at the ferry slip is often mistaken for a lighthouse, but it is actually a gear tower for an emergency water intake.
Did you know?
In times past, visitors traveled to Waterworks by boat or horse. Today you can hop a ride aboard the water taxi from Erie to enjoy the peninsula.
Park Police and other visitors used a bridle path until a road was constructed in 1924.
Erected by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1908.
Location. 42° 8.872′ N, 80° 7.813′ W. Marker is near Erie, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. It is in Millcreek Township. Marker is on Presque Isle Bike Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Erie PA 16507, 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. The Pump House (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Century of Recreation (approx. 0.2 miles away); Presque Isle (approx. half a mile away); The Old Road (approx. 0.7 miles away); Five Courses Thick (approx. 1˝ miles away); The Loneliest Place on Earth (approx. 1˝ miles away); The Peninsula's First Roadway (approx. 1˝ miles away); The Flashlight (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Erie.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 12, 2019
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 12, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.