Items

Historic resources from our archives - images, maps, documents, and more.

Portrait of Frederick Graff with Centre Square Water Works in the background, by James Peale, 1804. (Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent)

Frederick Graff portrait with Centre Square Water Works in background

Allegory of the Schuylkill statue

Fourth of July in Centre Square, John Lewis Krimmel, ca. 1812. The wooden statue in the fountain, “Allegory of the Schuylkill River (Water Nymph and Bittern)”, was carved in 1809 by Philadelphia sculptor William Rush.

Fourth of July, Centre Square, ca. 1812

Second Bank of Pennsylvania, South Second Street, Philadelphia

Centre Square Engine House, location of one of two steam engines used in the city’s original water system. Engraving by Birch.

Centre Square Engine House, ca. 1807

Pumping stations after Philadelphia's incorporation, 1854

Main Pumping Stations for Philadelphia Drinking Water

Black-and-white image of workers in a pit with a sewer opening behind them and text

Frankford Creek: Sad History of an Urban Stream title page

Preparation for War to Defend Commerce

The Water Works in Centre Square, Philadelphia

Bank of Pennsylvania, South Second Street, Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Hospital in Pine Street

Alms House in Spruce Street, Philadelphia