Intriguing isn’t it this unassuming stone? This is Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone Number 21. It stands quietly marking a forgotten corner of history.
Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone Number 21 is one of over thirty boundary stones erected in 1902. These stones defined the limits of the Kowloon Water Works catchment area. They marked the boundaries between the waterworks’ land and private property. Imagine the surveyors carefully placing these stones. They were meticulously marking the edges of a vital resource for a burgeoning city.
Each stone bears the inscription KWW 1902 No X. The X represents its unique number in the series. The inscription faces outward from the reservoir. This clearly marked the waterworks’ territory. Some stones like Number 21 are in better condition than others. Time and weather have taken their toll on some. Many are hidden. They are almost lost to the jungle and the passage of years. These stones stand as silent witnesses. They’ve seen generations pass by.
Many of these stones are difficult to find. Some are located in overgrown areas. Others are near busy roads. It requires a bit of detective work to find them. Some Boundary Stones are near impossible to locate. It is said that some have vanished completely. Others are hidden amongst the dense foliage. The exact locations of some are unknown.
Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone Number 21 is a small but significant piece of Hong Kong’s history. It represents the vital infrastructure that shaped the city. It remains a testament to careful planning and engineering. These stones remind us of the essential work of early infrastructure projects. They quietly speak volumes about the relentless progress of the city. These humble markers of the past are a treasure. They are a treasure for those who take the time to seek them out. This unassuming stone holds a fascinating story. A story of water resource management and the steady expansion of Hong Kong.