Ames in Story County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
First Water Tower
Iowa State University
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 17, 2025
1. First Water Tower Marker
The 168-foot-tall Marston Water Tower was the first elevated steel water tank west of the Mississippi River when it was erected in 1897. It is named for Anson Marston, Iowa State's first engineering dean, who designed the tower and oversaw its construction. The Marston Water Tower is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected by Iowa State University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 42° 1.613′ N, 93° 39.044′ W. Marker is in Ames, Iowa, in Story County. It can be reached from Bissell Road. Marker is outside the east end of Hoover Hall, in front of the water tower. It is on the grounds of Iowa State University. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 528 Bissell Rd, Ames IA 50011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Des Moines. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Faster Fax (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jack Trice (about 600 feet away); First Land-Grant (about 700 feet away); First Statistical Laboratory (about 700 feet away); Birthplace of the Computer (approx. Ό mile away); Campaniling (approx. Ό mile away); First Land-Grant Home Economics College (approx. Ό mile away); World's Hardiest Roses (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ames.
Photographed by Jason Voigt
2. First Water Tower Marker
Marker is outside the east end of Hoover Hall, in front of the water tower.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 257 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
