Subjects Infrastructure

Relative to Philadelphia's water and sewer systems, this includes pipes, pumps, plants, water works, reservoirs and other water storage facilities, and other aboveground and underground structures related to the city’s water supply, sewerage system, and drainage. In a larger sense, infrastructure includes many other human-made structures, including roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, canals, and other things of that nature.

Fairmount Gardens, with the Schuylkill Bridge. This 1839 engraving, published in London, shows a view of the South Garden from the walkways that brought visitors up the cliffside to the overlooks at the height of the reservoirs. The fountain used the pressure of the reservoirs and was a a delightful refreshment in hot weather, and a wonder at all times. One anachronistic element of this engraving is the Upper Ferry Bridge, which burned the year before the print was published. Harding’s Hotel, a popular resort, is at the western end of the bridge.

Fairmount Gardens with the Schuylkill Bridge, 1839

Subjects Infrastructure

Fairmount Gardens with the Schuylkill Bridge, 1839

Fairmount Water Works, W.H. Bartlett, 1839

Fairmount Water Works from the forebay, 1833

Fairmount and vicinity, 1839

Isometrical View of Fairmount Water Works, 1843

Plan of the City of Philadelphia and Adjoining Districts, 1830

Northern Liberties and Spring Garden Water Works

Lancaster/Schuylkill Bridge (Upper Ferry Bridge)

Race Bridge, Fairmount Water Works, 1834