“Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia”

A new waterworks was built in Philadelphia between 1818 and 1822 to satisfy the growing city's demand for water. Frederick Graff was the genius responsible for both the engineering and building design. The Fairmount Waterworks was built at the base of Fair Mount, the promontory where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands. The river water was pumped into a large reservoir atop the hill and from there was gravity fed to homes and hydrants throughout Philadelphia. The beautiful site became one of Philadelphia's favorite promenades. The area was lushly landscaped and maintained, and formed the nucleus for Fairmount Park.

This wood engraving was included in Ballou’s Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion. The accompanying text below describes the construction of the water works, dam and pumps in detail in detail.

8 ¾ x 11 inches, sheet.
Hand colored wood engraving.
Excellent condition.