Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Fairmount Water Works

Photographed By Don Morfe, April 15, 2015

1. Fairmount Water Works Marker

Inscription. Centerpiece of Philadelphia's water system, 1815-1909. The neoclassical buildings, designed by Frederick Graff and Frederic Graff, Jr., concealed huge machines that pumped Schuylkill River water to a reservoir above, whence it flowed to the city. Power was originally supplied by Oliver Evans' high-pressure steam engine, the largest of its day. After 1821 the pumps were driven by breast wheels; after 1851, by turbines.

Erected 1997 by Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 39° 58.144′ N, 75° 11.077′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Fairmount Park. Marker is at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Waterworks Drive on Kelly Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia PA 19130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Getting to the Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Abraham Lincoln

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Fairmount Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Lloyd Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Penn Burke (within shouting distance of this marker); Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Silenus and the Infant Bacchus (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . . MarkerQuest - Fairmount Water Works. Images and a historical overview of the facility. (Submitted on September 23, 2020, by Laura Klotz of Northampton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Don Morfe, April 15, 2015

2. Fairmount Water Works Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 503 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.