Paxton Water Tower and Pump House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Paxton Water Tower and Pump House
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Rear of the water tower and pump house
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 145 S. Market St., Paxton, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1887 |
| Built by | Fairbanks, Morse & Co. |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000302 |
| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1984 |
The Paxton Water Tower and Pump House are two important historic buildings. They are located at 145 S. Market Street in Paxton, Illinois. These structures helped Paxton get a steady supply of water.
Contents
Why Water Towers Are Important
Water towers and pump houses are very important for towns. They help store and deliver clean water to homes and businesses. Before these buildings were constructed, Paxton had big problems with its water supply.
Paxton's Water Challenges
In 1870, a large fire destroyed much of Paxton's downtown area. The fire department struggled because they didn't have enough water. This made the fire much worse. Later, in 1872, the town tried to dig a special well called an artesian well. This project was not successful.
Building a Solution
To fix these water problems, the Paxton Water Tower and Pump House were built in 1887. These buildings were made of strong brick. The water tower is shaped like an octagon and stands about 80 feet tall. For many years, there was also a water tank on top of the pump house tower.
How They Helped Paxton Grow
The new water tower and pump house were the first big improvements to Paxton's public services. Having a reliable water supply helped the town grow and become more successful. It made life better and safer for everyone living there.
A Historic Landmark
The Paxton Water Tower and Pump House are recognized as important historical sites.
Added to the National Register
In 1984, these buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are officially recognized for their historical importance. They are one of four sites in Paxton on this special list. They are also one of five sites in Ford County to be included.
