Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Water Storage Tank 188

Photographed by Trinket Troy, July 24, 2019

1. Water Storage Tank 188 Marker

Inscription. Water storage tank 188, constructed in 1918, was the first permanent water storage facility for Camp A.A. Humphreys, home of the Army Engineer School and the World War I-era predecessor to Fort Belvoir. WST188 topped 118 feet making it the oldest and tallest structure within the Fort Belvoir Historic District (National Register of Historic Places, DHR No. 029-0209).

The 300,000 gallon reservoir tank was supported by six cast-iron legs and cross-braces connected to the tank’s riveted steel-plate outer walls, a unique design feature of early 20th Century water towers. A metal scaling ladder led to a catwalk encircling the tank at 90 feet hight. A central metal pipe connected the reservoir to a pump station at ground level. Historic WST 188 remained in service until 2014 when it was replaced to meet increased water capacity at Fort Belvoir.

Erected by Fort Belvoir Historic District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 38° 41.575′ N, 77° 8.453′ W. Marker is in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in Fairfax County.

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It is on 16th Street east of Gunston Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Belvoir VA 22060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: Warehouse District (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Treasury Building Column Sections (approx. 0.2 miles away); Non Commissioned Officers’ Service Club (approx. ¼ mile away); Gerber Village (approx. 0.3 miles away); Park Village (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pohick Road Crossing (approx. 0.4 miles away); Long Parade Ground

Water Storage Tank 188 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Trinket Troy, July 26, 2019

2. Water Storage Tank 188

Marker is partially viewable in the lower right of the photograph.

(approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Belvoir Military Railroad Historic Corridor (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Belvoir.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.