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Grand Avenue Water Tower: A Corinthian Column in the Midwest

A historic St. Louis landmark, the Grand Avenue Water Tower is the world's tallest free-standing Corinthian column and a reminder of the city's past.

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The Grand Avenue Water Tower, completed in 1871, is a striking landmark in St. Louis, Missouri. Designed by architect George I. Barnett, this 154-foot-tall structure resembles a colossal Corinthian column and is the oldest of the city's three standpipe water towers. Though no longer in service, it remains a beloved monument and a testament to the city's history.

A brief summary to Grand Avenue St Louis,MO Water Tower

Local tips

  • Explore the surrounding College Hill neighborhood for a glimpse into St. Louis's rich history and architecture.
  • Visit the tower at night to see it illuminated by floodlights.
  • Check out the nearby Bissell Street Water Tower and Compton Hill Water Tower to see the other historic water towers of St Louis.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Grand Avenue Water Tower via public transportation, take the MetroBus route #70 Grand northbound. Get off at the 'Grand & E Grand' stop. Walk east on E Grand Blvd to the intersection with N 20th Street; the tower will be at that intersection. A single MetroBus fare costs $2.

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Washington Ave and Grand Blvd in Grand Center, walk north on Grand Blvd for approximately 0.5 miles. Continue until you reach the intersection with E Grand Blvd. The Grand Avenue Water Tower will be on your right at the intersection with N 20th St.

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Discover more about Grand Avenue St Louis,MO Water Tower

The Grand Avenue Water Tower, located in the College Hill neighborhood of St. Louis, stands as a proud reminder of the city's 19th-century infrastructure. Completed in 1871, it predates the Bissell Street and Compton Hill Water Towers. Designed by architect George I. Barnett, the tower is a stunning example of civic architecture, resembling a massive Corinthian column rising 154 feet into the sky. Constructed of brick with stone and cast iron trim, the tower once concealed a five-foot-wide standpipe that helped regulate the city's water pressure. The tower was retired from service in 1912 after modern electric pumps made it obsolete. The internal spiral staircase and standpipe were subsequently removed. In the 1920s and 30s, an aircraft warning light was added to the top, and it is rumored that Charles Lindbergh used it for navigation. In 1933, when there was a suggestion to demolish the tower, the then-Mayor Bernard Dickmann defended the monument. Today, the Grand Avenue Water Tower is the tallest free-standing Corinthian column in the world. It is a designated landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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