Castle Gatehouse, Washington Aqueduct facts for kids
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Castle Gatehouse, Washington Aqueduct
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Pumphouse at Georgetown Reservoir
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 Castle Gatehouse
Location in the District of Columbia
Castle Gatehouse
Location in the United States
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| Location | Near Reservoir Rd. and MacArthur Blvd. NW Northwest Quadrant, Washington, D.C. |
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| Built | 1899–1901 |
| Part of | Washington Aqueduct (ID73002123) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002048 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 13, 1975 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 7, 1973 |
The Castle Gatehouse, Washington Aqueduct is a unique building in Washington, D.C., United States. It works as a pumping station at the Georgetown Reservoir. This reservoir is part of the Washington Aqueduct, which brings water to the city. You can find the gatehouse in The Palisades neighborhood. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it's an important historical landmark.
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Building Washington's Water System
In 1852, the United States Congress decided that Washington, D.C., needed a reliable water supply. They asked the Army Corps of Engineers to build a system. This group of engineers is part of the U.S. Army and helps with big construction projects. Their plan was to get water from the Potomac River at a place called Great Falls.
Starting the Pipeline
Construction of a long pipeline began in 1853. This pipeline was about 12 miles long. Some parts of the water system started working by 1859. For a short time, water from Little Falls Branch was used. The full pipeline was finished in 1864. Water first went to the Dalecarlia Reservoir, then to the Georgetown Reservoir.
The Castle Gatehouse's Role
Later, in the late 1800s, the water system needed improvements. That's when the Castle Gatehouse was built. Its main job was to pump water from the Georgetown Reservoir. This water then traveled through a four-mile-long tunnel called the Washington City Tunnel. This tunnel led to another reservoir, the McMillan Reservoir, which was finished in 1902. A special filter system was added at McMillan in 1905. This system made the city's drinking water much cleaner and safer.
A Castle-Like Design
Building the gatehouse started in 1899. Its design was very special. The engineers wanted it to look like the official symbol of the Army Corps of Engineers. This symbol is a castle. To make it look like real stone, they used a material called Portland cement plaster. This gave the gatehouse an authentic castle appearance.
Recognized as a Historic Place
The Castle Gatehouse was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 1975. This means it's recognized as an important part of American history. Today, the Army Corps of Engineers, specifically their Baltimore District, manages and takes care of this historic building.
