Topics Philadelphia before 1800

Annual reports and other documents relating to Philadelphia’s water supply system, 1796-1941

Portraits of Chieftains Tishcohan (left) and Lapowinsa (right), painted around the time of the Walking Purchase treaty, circa 1735

Portraits of Lenape chiefs Tishcohan (left) and Lapowinsa (right), painted around the time of the Walking Purchase treaty, circa 1737

2008 map showing historic Dock Creek with adjacent historical features

Map of Historic Dock Creek

A hand-pumped fire engine made in Philadelphia in 1792. Water was stored in the copper lined wooden boxes, and two men (one pumping on each handle) forced the water up through the pipe on top, into a hose. (It can be assumed that a bucket brigade was used to keep the boxes filled.)

Hand-pumped fire engine, 1792

Fire axes and fire buckets were standard fire-fighting equipment in the 18th century. The buckets carried water; the axes were used to break into burning buildings. The speaking trumpet at the bottom was used to communicate with firefighters at the scene.

Fire equipment, late 18th century

Scenes on the Wissahickon

Scenes on the Wissahickon Creek (Picturesque America)

Plan of Philadelphia, John Hills, May 30, 1796

Plan of Philadelphia, John Hills, 1796

Map Showing Districts, Boroughs & Townships Incorporated in Consolidation of Philadelphia in 1854

History of Belfield (1934)

Black-and-white diagram showing streets and the Little Tacony Creek

Frankford Creek Watershed: A historical overview of the Philadelphia section

Frankford Creek Watershed Historical Timeline

Color image of a grassy field with trees and buildings surrounding it and white lines drawn on the grass mimicking the path of a creek.

Drawing Dock Creek

Overbrook, as it was

A Tour of Philadelphia’s Delaware River Waterfront in 1876

Smith and Windmill Islands

Cobbs Creek: A Brief Historical Overview

The Schuylkill and Wissahickon banks in 1858

Black-and-white image showing sewer outlet, retaining walls and body of water

Glossary of Drainage Terms

Centre Square Water System, Drawings of Intake Basin

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

Benjamin Henry Latrobe, portrait by Filippo Costaggini, 1880

Centre Square Water Works, Latrobe Plans, 1799

The Centre Square Works, 1801

Native American Heritage Day

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia