Fairmount Water Works Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Fairmount Water Works
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark

Fairmount Water Works – view from 1984
Location in Philadelphia Show map of Philadelphia Location in Pennsylvania Show map of Pennsylvania Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Built	1812–1815
Architect	Frederick Graff et al.
Architectural style	Mid 19th Century Revival, Palladian
NRHP reference No.	76001662
Added to NRHP	May 11, 1976
Designated NHL	May 11, 1976

The Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was Philadelphia's second big system for providing water to the city. It was designed in 1812 by Frederick Graff and built over many years, from 1812 to 1872.

This amazing place worked until 1909. People loved its design, and it became a very popular spot for tourists. Today, the Fairmount Water Works has a restaurant and a special center. This center helps people understand how the waterworks operated and the history of water in the local area.

In 1976, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This was because of its beautiful architecture and smart engineering ideas. It was also the first water supply in the United States to use large paddle wheels to move water.

History of the Water Works
See also

History of the Water Works

Early Water Needs in Philadelphia

In the late 1700s, Philadelphia faced a big problem. Many people got sick from yellow fever. At the time, people thought this sickness came from dirty water or rotting things in the streets. Because of this, city leaders created a "Watering Committee." They wanted to find a way to get clean water to everyone.

The first water system was designed by Benjamin Latrobe in 1799. His plan used two steam engines to pump water from the Schuylkill River. The water then went into the city and into two wooden tanks. These tanks could only hold about 57,000 US gallons (215,770 L) of water. From there, water flowed by gravity through wooden pipes.

However, this system had many issues. If one steam engine broke down, the whole city lost its water supply. The committee soon realized they needed a better solution. They chose John Davis and Frederick Graff to design a new waterworks. Graff was Latrobe's student and later became the chief engineer. They needed a new system to provide enough water for the growing number of people in the city.

Building the Fairmount Water Works

The Fairmount Water Works was first built between 1812 and 1815. It was located on the east side of the Schuylkill River. At first, it had a large earth reservoir on top of Faire Mount. This is where the Philadelphia Museum of Art is today. There was also a pump house with two steam engines to pump water.

Between 1819 and 1821, a long dam was built across the Schuylkill River. This dam helped direct water to a Mill House. In 1822, three water wheels in the Mill House replaced the steam engines. Later, special Jonval turbines were used to lift water in new and old mill houses.

A Popular Tourist Spot

Even though it was an industrial site, the Fairmount Water Works looked beautiful. It had a Classical Revival style, which made it seem like an ancient Greek or Roman building. Its beauty and location by the river made it a popular place to visit.

Many famous people came to see it. Charles Dickens, a famous writer, praised its nice design and how useful it was for the public. Another English visitor, Fanny Trollope, wrote about the Water Works in her 1832 book. She said:

There is one spot, however, about a mile from the town, which presents a lovely scene. The water-works of Philadelphia have not yet perhaps as wide extended fame as those of Marley, but they are not less deserving it. At a most beautiful point of the Schuylkill River the water has been forced up into a magnificent reservoir, ample and elevated enough to send it through the whole city. The vast yet simple machinery by which this is achieved is open to the public, who resort in such numbers to see it, that several evening stages run from Philadelphia to Fair Mount for their accommodation.

The Fairmount Water Works finally closed in 1909. By then, several newer and more modern water facilities had been built.

Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia, between 1860 and 1880
"Schuylkill Waterworks", 1835 engraving
Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia, about 1874
Cutaway showing water wheel
Cutaway showing boiler system
Cutaway showing Jonval turbine
Boathouse Row and Fairmount Water Works from Lemon Hill
(circa 1872–1874)
John Rubens Smith, "A View of Fairmount and the Water-Works", 1837

The Fairmount Dam

The Fairmount Dam was finished in 1822. It stretched across the river at an angle. The dam helped guide water into the Water Works. It also acted like a spillway, letting extra water flow over it.

The Schuylkill is a tidal river, meaning its water level changes with the ocean tides. The dam stopped salty water from the Delaware River from mixing with the fresh water. Above the dam, it created a calm area called the "Schuylkill Pond." This calm water stretched for several miles and was used for fun activities.

Fairmount Dam, from the rocks below
"Fairmount Falls"
Fairmount Waterworks and Dam, from the west
Fairmount Dam, from the south
Current dam (built in 1928) and Boathouse Row in the background

The Water Works in the 20th and 21st Centuries

Fairmount Water Works (foreground) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (background) in February 2007

After the waterworks closed in 1909, the buildings were used for different things. For example, it was home to the Philadelphia Aquarium, which closed in 1962. It also had an indoor swimming pool that closed in 1973.

People have tried to make the waterworks a popular tourist spot again. A serious fire caused some delays in fixing it up. But now, there is a special learning center, and tours are given regularly. It is hoped that its location near Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will help it become a popular place to visit once more.

Today, the Fairmount Water Works buildings house the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (FWWIC). This is a hands-on science and environmental education center. It was created by the Philadelphia Water Department. The FWWIC offers interactive exhibits, talks, events, and programs for schools.

In December 2004, a lease was given to Michael Karloutsos for 25 years. After a lot of work to fix it up, Karloutsos opened the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge on July 20, 2006. This restaurant closed in 2015, and an event venue opened there shortly after.

Fairmount Water Works facts for kids

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