Chicago: Historic Generators at the Water Tower

Historic green generators inside the Chicago Water Tower, a landmark structure built in 1869 that supplied water to the city and survived the Great Chicago Fire.
These are historic generators housed within the Chicago Water Tower, a landmark structure that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Originally built in 1869, the tower served as a pumping station to supply water to the city. The generators, painted in a distinctive green, represent a crucial piece of the city's early infrastructure development. They are now preserved as part of the Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station, offering a glimpse into the engineering capabilities of the late 19th century.
Photo taken in December 2012. © 2026 Chad Davis
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© 1996–2026 Chad Davis