1762 Waterworks

Bethlehem’s waterworks, built in 1754, pumped potable water from a fresh spring near the Monocacy creek through a system of wooden pipes to a wooden water tower by the choir houses. It was the first municipal water works in America. It would be another 35 years before any other major city would have one like it.  

Hydropower was also used to power large water wheels which were used to produce oil, which was pressed out of flaxseed and used to make printer’s ink, varnishes for metals or wood, oil paints, medicines, or to be burned in lamps.

Quick Facts

• Built in 1754.
• Built by the Moravian community to pump fresh water from the springhouse up the embankment into a water tower next to the community houses (where the Central Moravian Church is now located).
• Was the first municipal waterworks in North America.
• Today it is a National Historic Landmark.