A Legendary Landmark in Philadelphia - Fairmount Water Works Past & Future

Fairmount water works in Philadelphia was the first municipal waterworks in United States designed by Frederick Graff in the year 1812 following the wide spread of yellow fever epidemic (which that time was thought to be caused by unclean water). Within no time the design of the park started grabbing people's attention and soon became one of the most popular tourist attractions.

In fact Fairmount Water Works was the second most popular tourist sites after Niagara Falls in United States during the greater part of 19th century. The Fairmount water works was initially housed on the banks of Schuylkill River, just downstream from the Fairmount dam and Boathouse row in a group of neoclassical structures.

At the time of its construction, this dam measuring 1,204 feet was considered to be the longest in the world that had giant water wheels of 16 feet diameter operating pumps sending water through a series of mains to the city's reservoirs.

Just as an epidemic lead to the designing and establishment of Fairmount water works, another only lead to its closure. Yes, the typhoid epidemic that hit the city resulted in shutting down of several water pumping stations and soon water works were transformed into public aquarium. It was in early 1980 that US Secretary of Interior who placed water works on the list of threatened national landmarks.

However things have changed now and there seems to be a very bright future for Fairmount water works. Efforts are being made by investing $26 million to restore Fairmount water works completely and also include an interpretive center as a component.

This restoration project is headed by Ed Grusheski, museum director who is also interested in historic and environmental preservation. A building that was initially disguised in its industrial function has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions for its beauty and location by the river side.