Fairmount Dam — Local services in Philadelphia

Fairmount Dam The steam engines originally used to pump river water up to the Reservoir were dangerous and expensive to operate Because of this, the Watering Commit- tee decided to convert the Water Works to water power. The Fairmount Dam was built to achieve this goal. Located to your right, the dam crosses the Schuylkill River at an angle. It divert- ed the river from its natural channel into the Forebay, now filled-in. At 2,008 feet, this innovative dam was the longest in the United States when completed in 1821. It was designed by Massachusetts engineer Ariel Cooley In addition to providing water power, the dam created a pool of calm, pond-like water stretching five miles upriver. The "Fairmount Pool" has been popularly used for boating and recreation from the 1820s to the present. Workers re-build portions of the...

This review might be a lil belated since These pics are from like 2018 or something…. But this place left a lasting impression on me fer surez!!

Definitely Beautiful spot for a quiet romantic walk… the scenery is on point, and there’s soOo many different directions to just randomly walk and explore with someone lost in conversation… or even by yourself lost in thought while contemplating whatever your lil brain desires!

All in all this is DEFINITELY a must stop if you find yourself just walking around Philly and wanting beautiful scenic views with a dash of interesting structures and architecture that has so much history the energy...

After years living in Philly, we discovered this perfect spot for a view of Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River. There is free 2-hour parking in the adjacent Fairmount Water Works lot (if available). Learned that this dam was the longest in the U.S. when built in 1821, and has been re-built several times. The dam is a short walk from the Art Museum. And, there's an...