Wraggborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Charleston Public Water System

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 2, 2019

1. Charleston Public Water System Marker (side 1 • faces east • Calhoun Street on left)

Inscription.
(side 1)
In 1823, after learning of London's success with artesian wells, City Council agreed that deep artesian wells would be feasible for the city and its growing population. Several pilot projects followed and in 1879 a 1,970-feet deep well was drilled near this site. With an impressive 700,000 gallons per day yield, it is reported to be the first successful artesian supply in the region.

(side 2)
The artesian supply was Charleston's primary water source until 1903 when a franchise was granted to the Charleston Light and Water Co. to take over the city system and construct a new plant and reservoir by damming Goose Creek. In 1917, the city acquired the plant and properties, forming the Commissioners of Public Works, now Charleston Water System, to manage and operate the city water system.
Sponsored by Charleston Water System, 2017

Erected 2017 by Charleston Water System. (Marker Number 10-94.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 32° 47.172′ N, 79° 56.145′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

County. It is in Wraggborough. It is on Calhoun Street west of Meeting Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located near the sidewalk, on the south side of Charleston's Marion Square, between Meeting Street and King Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 329 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Historic Charleston

and in the Lowcountry.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Marion Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Calhoun (within shouting distance of this marker); Reclaiming Charleston’s History (within shouting distance of this marker); Charleston’s Horn Work

Charleston Public Water System Marker (<i>side 2 • faces west • Calhoun Street on right</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 2, 2019

2. Charleston Public Water System Marker (side 2 • faces west • Calhoun Street on right)

(within shouting distance of this marker); A Tabby Defense (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Marion Square (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Remnant of Horn Work (about 300 feet away); The Liberty Trail (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Also see . . .
1. Charleston Water System History. The original Hanahan Steam Pumping Station, built in 1903, is now the site of Charleston Water's Hanahan Water Treatment Plant. The building pictured here was refurbished in the 1980s to house the plant's administrative offices and laboratory staff. (Submitted on May 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. The History of Water and Sewer Service in Charleston. This site presents numerous historic photographs of water distribution facilities around Charleston, as well as a detailed timeline of the city's water service milestones. (Submitted on May 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Charleston Public Water System Marker (<i>wide view from sidewalk • Marion Square on left</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 2, 2019

3. Charleston Public Water System Marker (wide view from sidewalk • Marion Square on left)

Charleston Public Water System Marker (<i>view from Calhoun Street; Marion Square in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 2, 2019

4. Charleston Public Water System Marker (view from Calhoun Street; Marion Square in background)

Charleston Public Water System Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 14, 2025

5. Charleston Public Water System Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,020 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.