Neighborhoods North Philadelphia

Black-and-white image of an ornate white building on a riverbank with trees behind it

A new book, more than 40 years in the making, about an iconic Philadelphia building

Fairmount Water Works (Picturesque America)

History of Belfield (1934)

Early photographs of Fairmount and vicinity, 1848

“Fairmount Waterworks. From the forebay.” (From nature & on stone G. Lehman; Published by C.G. Childs & G. Lehman, 1833. Free Library of Philadelphia, Print & Picture Collection)

Fairmount Water Works from the forebay, 1833

This 1838 view of the Fairmount Water Works with the Schuylkill River in the distance, by John T. Bowen, “captures the pleasures of Fairmount in its heyday,” writes historian Jane Mork Gibson. “The neat beauty of the works set into a gentle landscape, steep paths and steps that offered an exhilirating contrast to the general flatness of Philadelphia, as well as the excitement of boat races on the river and refreshments offered in the former Engine House, all prompted the admiring comments of visitors.”

Fairmount Water Works and the Schuylkill River, 1838

The City and Port of Philadelphia on the River Delaware from Kensington, 1800

Plan of the City of Philadelphia and Adjoining Districts, 1830

Plan of the City of Philadelphia and Adjoining Districts, 1830

Northern Liberties and Spring Garden Water Works

Northern Liberties and Spring Garden Water Works

Belmont Works Engine House

Engine House of the Belmont Works

Fairmount, bird's eye view from Lemon Hill (detail)

Fairmount Park, bird’s eye view from Lemon Hill, detail

Fairmount

Fairmount Water Works, about 1860