Built in 1869 by architect William W. Boyington from yellowing Lemont limestone, the Chicago Water Tower contains a standpipe to hold water. In addition to being used for firefighting, the pressure in the pipe could be regulated to control water surges in the area. Together with the adjacent Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, it drew clean water from water cribs in Lake Michigan.
The tower was the only public building in the burned zone to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and is one of just a few of the surviving structures still standing. In the years since the fire, the tower has become a symbol of old Chicago and of the city's recovery from the fire.
Today it is an American Water Landmark (1969) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1975).
This ¾" thick wooden replica is handcrafted in the U.S. with colorful details. It can set neatly on a shelf, wainscoting, or window/door trim to remind you of a special place you've visited or dream of visiting someday. A short description is written on the back. Look for Casper, our mascot black cat, taking up residence within the design. This is the sign of an authentic Cat’s Meow!
