Running Water

In 1848 the university “water works” was completed. The water from the Factory Spring, at the southeastern base of the Hill, was “forced by means of a water-wheel and pump through a lead pipe of a half-inch caliber to the campus.” A single hydrant was situated near the sundial, opposite the south door of Old College. (The operation of the water works was suspended in 1861 “in consequence of the removal of the lead pipe by the Confederate authorities.”) In 1893 and 1894, a larger water main on the campus gave enough pressure to send water to the top of the highest building.