Topics Landscape Changes

A Brief History of Water in Northwest Philadelphia

Fairmount Park topographical map, showing East Park Reservoir, 1872

Wingohocking Sewer across Penn St.

Wingohocking Sewer across Penn St.

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

Second Street North from Market St. with Christ Church, Philadelphia

Birkinbine Schuylkill Hydrographical Survey 1861-66

Schuylkill River Hydrographical Survey 1861-66 by H. P. M. Birkinbine

Duplex Pumping Engine, Belmont Works

Duplex Pumping Engine, Belmont Works

View of Fairmount Water Works, ca. 1827

Penn landing at Chester

Penn landing at Chester (Watson’s Annals)