Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Making of an Icon
The Fairmount Water Works became a major tourist attraction soon after it opened in 1815. People flocked to the Water Works to enjoy the lush gardens and marvel at the working wheels, turbines and pumps. Visitors were left with strong impressions that 19th century advertisers used to promote their products.
The Water Works also served as the icon of modern Philadelphia. By providing pure water for drinking and fighting fires, the Water Works was associated with health and safety. Manufacturers of cough medicine ➍ and fire insurance companies ➎ featured the Water Works on their advertisements.
A trip to the Water Works also meant relaxation and fun. Ads for ice skates ➊, alcohol ➋, and sheet music ➌ showed visitors enjoying the Water Works.
[Caption:]
◄ The Water Works was often depicted on porcelain as scenes representative of Philadelphia. This urn features the Forebay and Engine House. It was produced in 1832-38 by the Tucker and Hemphill china factory, located just south of here, on the east bank of the Schuylkill River.
Erected by Fairmount Park.
Topics.
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Location. 39° 57.952′ N, 75° 10.968′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Fairmount Park. It is on Anne d'Harnoncourt Drive 0.3 miles south of Kelly Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 640 Schuylkill River Trail, Philadelphia PA 19130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fairmount Water Works (here, next to this marker); In Honor of Ernesta Drinker Ballard
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
