Cephas G. Childs after Thomas Doughty. "To Joseph E. Lewis Esquire, this view of the Fairmount Water Works is inscribed by a number of his fellow citizens..."
Philadelphia c. 1830

A new waterworks was built in Philadelphia between 1818 and 1822 to satisfy the growing city's demand for water. Located on the Schuylkill River at the base of Fair Mount, Frederick Graff was the genius responsible for both the engineering and building design. The Fairmount Waterworks was totally self contained. Using waterpower, Schuylkill water was pumped into a large reservoir atop the hill and from there was gravity fed to homes and hydrants throughout Philadelphia. Not only was the Waterworks efficent, but beautiful as well, one of Philadelphia's best known sites and favorite promenades. The area was lushly landscaped and maintained, and formed the nucleus for Fairmount Park. This engraving, copied from Thomas Doughty's painting, was dedicated to Joseph S. Lewis a Philadelphia merchant whose financial support aided in the completion of the waterworks.

Hand colored engraving.
17.5" x 21.5" sheet size.
Clean and sharp impression in excellent original condition.
Matted and framed to museum specifications.