Fairmont waterworks in Philadelphia. In the machine room

            Fairmont waterworks in Philadelphia
The first successful municipal water plant in the United States, Philadelphia's Fairmont is more than just a demonstration of the importance of clean water.
                     History of Fermont hydraulic structures
Philadelphia's first water features were developed after a series of yellow fever epidemics swept through the city in the 1700s. At the time, it was believed that the disease was caused by unclean water, and city leaders proposed a water purification system to reduce the impact of the disease. After forming a "watering committee" in 1799, the city decided to accept the design of Benjamin Latrobe, who proposed a system of steam engines to do the job. This system did not work as expected.
John David and Frederick Graff were chosen to create the new system, which was built between 1819 and 1822 on the banks of the Schuylkill River. It originally consisted of a 3 million gallon (11,350,000 liter) reservoir and a pumping station that used steam engines to pump out the water. In 1822, a 487-meter-long dam was built across the Schuylkill to direct water to three water wheels that replaced the steam engine. Among the significant historical buildings in the USA, one can also highlight the Trinity Church in Boston, which you can read about in a separate article.
While the Fairmont Waterworks received much acclaim and was a model for similar facilities throughout the United States, it also became famous for its beautiful Greek Revival structures that masked the inner workings of the system. The complex was consistently praised for its design, which was more reminiscent of a noble manor. Its waterside location often attracted visitors, including the famous Charles Dickens, who proclaimed the structure "as beautiful as it is useful, tastefully built, and reminiscent of a public garden."
 The original Fairmount Aquatic Works closed in 1909, and after that the building was used for various purposes, including as the Philadelphia Aquarium, which remained open for several decades. There was also an indoor swimming pool for city residents, but it was closed in 1973. In the late 1970s, the building was partially destroyed by fire.
                                  Fairmont buildings today
Today, however, the Fairmont Waterworks has been renovated and turned into an interpretive center that is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The interpretive center educates visitors about the importance of the city's watershed and how to care for it.
The Waterworks hosts all sorts of special events, including lectures and seminars, summer camps, film screenings, concerts and more. The institution has received numerous awards for its educational programs and is a popular destination for local schoolchildren.
   

Taken on: July 22, 2012

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Sets appears in: • Graceful neoclassical buildings of The Fairmount Water Works , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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