Belton Standpipe (Belton, South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Belton Standpipe
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The Standpipe, as seen from Campbell Street, 2012
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | McGee Way, Near Campbell St. Belton, South Carolina, United States |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Built by | J. C. McMurray |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001948 |
| Added to NRHP | November 5, 1987 |
The Belton Standpipe is a very tall water tower located in Belton, South Carolina. It was originally known as the Belton Waterworks Tower. This impressive concrete tower stands 155 feet high, which is about as tall as a 15-story building!
Construction on the tower began in 1908 and was finished in 1909. It is special because it's the tallest of only three standpipe water towers in the entire state of South Carolina.
Contents
What is the Belton Standpipe?
The Belton Standpipe is a type of water tower. It holds a large amount of water high above the ground. This height helps to create water pressure. This pressure then pushes water through pipes to homes and businesses in the town.
How the Standpipe Works
The main part of the tower is a large tank at the very top. This tank can hold an amazing 165,000 gallons of water! That's enough water to fill many swimming pools. The water flows down through a 10-inch wide pipe located in the center of the tower. This system ensures that Belton always has a steady supply of fresh water.
Built with Strong Concrete
The Belton Standpipe is an important example of early construction using reinforced concrete. This material is concrete with steel bars or mesh inside it. The steel makes the concrete much stronger and more durable. At the time it was built, using reinforced concrete for water storage was quite new. This method later became very popular across the United States for many types of buildings.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique design and importance to the town's history, the Belton Standpipe was recognized as a historic place.
Listed on the National Register
On November 5, 1987, the Belton Standpipe was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Being on this list helps protect and preserve the tower for future generations.
Keeping the Tower Strong
After being listed as a historic place, the tower received a full renovation. This work started in 1989 and was completed in 1991. This project helped to keep the old tower in good condition, ensuring it remains a landmark for many years to come.
