Newport in Pend Oreille County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Corliss Steam Engine
"The Big Wheel"
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
1. Corliss Steam Engine Marker
Engine Data
478 Horsepower
22 in. cylinder – 42 in. stroke
120 lbs. PSI steam pressure
63,000 lbs. in weight
Wheel Data
16 Ft. in diameter
100 RPM
42 in. face
20,000 lbs. in weight
The Big Wheel was manufactured by Allis Chalmers in 1909 and moved to Newport by the Fidelity Lumber Co. It was in continuous service for 55 yrs. cutting over 1 billion feet of lumber.
In 1964 the engine was donated to the Newport JC’s by the Diamond National Corporation to preserve a part of a passing era. The Newport JC’s then moved and erected the engine at this site.
It was dedicated by Gov. Daniel J. Evans June 14, 1965 and presented to the city of Newport.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is June 14, 1787.
Location. 48° 10.675′ N, 117° 2.633′ W. Marker is in Newport, Washington, in Pend Oreille County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 2 and South Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 2. The Corliss Steam Engine and marker are located in front of the Pend Oreille County Historical Museum at the intersection US Highway 2 and South Washington Avenue.
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Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Albeni Falls Dam at a Glance (approx. 2.2 miles away in Idaho); Albeni Falls (approx. 2.2 miles away in Idaho).
More about this marker. This is a large wooden marker in somewhat weathered condition.
Also see . . . George Henry Corliss. In 1856 the Corliss Steam Engine Company was incorporated with Mr. Corliss as president, and his brother, William Corliss, as treasurer. A modest factory at the time of its erection, the Corliss works grew rapidly until, at the time of the founder's death, in 1888, the floor space included in the buildings amounted to about five acres, and over a thousand hands were employed there. The works grew in response to the great increase of the market for these remarkable engines, which in a few years had spread all over this country and reached to Europe. (Submitted on May 7, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
2. Corliss Steam Engine Marker (wide view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
3. The Big Wheel
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
4. Corliss Steam Engine
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
5. The Big Wheel (close view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
6. The Big Wheel (edge view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
7. Compressor
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
8. Compressor Label
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2013
9. Corliss Steam Engine Marker Plaza
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 909 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on May 7, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
