Adventure 003, Site 011 – Fresno Water Tower

Sherri and Water Tower plaque

Capture California, the Game-2013

Adventure: 003, Site 011 – Fresno Water Tower

National Registry ID: 1971000139

Local Registry ID: 1

Team: YOLT

Date:  June 14, 2013

Location:

Latitude: 36°44′21″N

Longitude: 119°47′11″W

Address: 2444 Fresno St, Fresno, CA

Description:

Date Built: 1894

Architect: George Washington Maher

Fresno Water Tower

This is the premier landmark of Fresno. It has played prominently in the travel advertising for Fresno, as well as a TV Mini-series called Fresno, staring Carol Burnett and Tim Conway.

George Washington Maher, a Chicago architect, was commissioned to design Fresno's water tower in 1891. Completed in 1894, it was in constant use until 1963, when the pumping machinery was no longer adequate. The original design called for a library on the second and third floors, but it was never installed. For several years the first floor was used as a parking meter repair facility. In 2001 the second floor was removed and the interior of the tower remodeled to become the visitors' center for the City and County of Fresno. As part of this remodeling a landscaped plaza and separate restroom building were built adjacent to the tower. The water tower today remains Fresno's most distinctive and enduring architectural symbol.

In 1989, the Fresno Water Tower was dedicated to George M Bowman. This was, in the words of the plaque on the tower:

This water tower is dedicated to George M. Bowman in recognition for thirty-six years of dedicated service to the city of Fresno and for his accomplishments as a naval officer. He was the city's first chief engineer and became general manager of the Water Department. He designed innovative electrical systems for street lighting, several well known public buildings and Chandler Air Field. Attaining the rank of Rear Admiral in the Navy, his career was distinguished by courage, leadership and diplomacy. It earned him the Silver Star, one of the nation's highest medals for heroism awarded by the President of the United States. In conspicuous gallantry aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga carrier he restored power to the ship, saving the crew and vessel. The Chinese government decorated him with the Cravate Blue of the Order for Meritorious Participation in the Sino-American Cooperative Organization. For his outstanding contributions to the Armed Forces, the Veterans and Reservists, he received the Governor Earl Warren Trophy. We remember a man of valor who worked toward progress, world peace, understanding and the well-being of others.

References:

• Guide to Historic Fresno
• Noehill
  

Overall Landmark References:

• David Schmitt's California State Historical Landmark (Schmitt)
• Wikipedia: California's National Landmarks (WCNL)
• State of California's California Historical Landmarks (CHL)
• Wikipedia: California State Landmarks (WCSL)
• State of California Historical Resources (CHR)
• National Registry of Historical Places (NRHP)