Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Frederick Graff
Frederick Graff (1775-1847), a pioneering engineer and architect, made unique and lasting contributions to Philadelphia. In 1805, Graff was elected superintendent and engineer of the Centre Square Water Works located where Philadelphia City Hall now stands. He later proposed and designed the new Fairmount Water Works.
Graff designed and managed the construction of the pipes, pumps, buildings, water mains, dam, canal and locks, garden, and the reservoir all while ensuring clean drinking water daily. He shared his knowledge widely, assisting the designed of many other water systems in the U.S.
Regarded as an outstanding and dedicated public servant, he was ably succeeded by his son, Frederic Graff, Jr.
This circa 1825 drawing shows a proposal for three large water-powered factories adjacent to the Mill House. Thankfully, all such plans were abandoned and the area was developed as the South Garden in the 1830's.
[Captions:]
This watercolor by Graff illustrates his design for the Water Works, Reservoirs , and surrounding gardens in 1839.
The Graff Memorial is considered the first monument in America honoring an engineer.
Frederick Graff by James Peale, 1804. Graff began his career at the Center Square Water Works, shown in the background.
Erected by Fairmount
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.
Location. 39° 57.937′ N, 75° 10.998′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Fairmount Park. It is on Schuylkill River Trail 0.1 miles south of Waterworks Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 640 Waterworks Dr, 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: A different marker also named Frederick Graff (here, next to this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 576 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
