Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam and Gatehouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam and Gatehouse
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Framingham, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | George Clough |
| MPS | Water Supply System of Metropolitan Boston MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 89002261 |
| Added to NRHP | January 18, 1990 |
The Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam and Gatehouse is a really old and important water facility in Framingham, Massachusetts. It was built a long time ago to help bring clean drinking water to the city of Boston. Think of it as a big part of Boston's water system, even today!
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Framingham Reservoir No. 3: A Water Story
This special place includes a large dam and a unique building called a gatehouse. They are located at the southeastern end of Framingham Reservoir No. 3, near Massachusetts Route 9. These structures were built between 1876 and 1878. Their main job was to expand the public water supply for Boston, which was growing fast.
What is the Dam Like?
The dam itself is very long, about 2,280 feet (695 meters). It holds back water to create a reservoir that covers about 253 acres (102 hectares). This reservoir is part of the Sudbury River area. It's the biggest of the three Framingham reservoirs built around that time.
The dam's center is made from strong granite rocks set in cement. There's also a granite-lined area, 100 feet (30 meters) long, where extra water could flow over. This part originally had special boards to control the water level.
The Gatehouse: A Special Building
Right at the end of the overflow area, near Route 9, stands the gatehouse. This building is made of granite and has a main rectangular part with a smaller section attached. Both parts have a steeply sloped slate roof. The main door is set back in a rounded archway. On top of the building, there's a small, decorative tower called a cupola.
Inside the gatehouse, there are controls for two large pipes, each 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide. These pipes connect to the Sudbury Aqueduct. The aqueduct is like a big, covered channel that carries water. From the gatehouse, water can either flow directly into Reservoir No. 1 or go through the pipes to the Sudbury Aqueduct.
Who Built It?
The dam was built by contractors from Worcester, Massachusetts. The gatehouse was constructed by Benjamin Dewing of Boston. It was designed by George Clough, who was the city architect for Boston at the time.
How the Reservoir Changed Over Time
Since it was built, this reservoir has had some updates. In 1898, it was connected by an open channel to the Sudbury Reservoir. This meant water could easily flow between them. Also, between 1907 and 1908, the areas around the reservoir were improved.
Most of the water in Framingham Reservoir No. 3 actually comes from the Sudbury Reservoir. This is because its own natural watershed (the area that collects rainwater) is quite small. Out of all the Framingham reservoirs, Reservoir No. 3 was used regularly for a long time. This was because its water quality was better than the other reservoirs to the south.
Its Role Today
Today, Framingham Reservoir No. 3 is no longer used every day to supply water. However, it is still kept in good condition as an emergency water source. It's the only one of the original Framingham reservoirs that is still maintained for this important backup role.
Because of its historical importance and unique design, the dam and gatehouse were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means they are recognized as important landmarks worth preserving.
