Places Philadelphia

Birch’s Views of Philadelphia, 1800

Centre Square Water Works, Frederick Graff, Sr. Plans, 1799

“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

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

Bridge Street Draw, southeast corner property, June 12, 1896

Bridge Street Draw. Southwest side of bridge. April 19, 1896. [Detail of people].

The Water Works in Centre Square, Philadelphia

Bank of Pennsylvania, South Second Street, Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Hospital in Pine Street

State House Garden, Philadelphia, 1800

Back of the State House, Philadelphia, 1800