What secrets does this castle hold? Right here before us stands the Gatehouse Stage. It’s not a stage for plays, but a stage for a different kind of drama. The drama of water management. The Gatehouse Stage, part of the Washington Aqueduct, has a unique history intertwined with the city’s water supply.
The Gatehouse Stage isn’t your typical theater. It’s a pumping station, built between 1899 and 1901 at the Georgetown Reservoir. Its purpose? To pump water into the four-mile-long Washington City Tunnel, leading to the McMillan Reservoir. This was a key improvement to the city’s water system in the late 19th century.
The design of the Gatehouse Stage was meant to echo the Army Corps of Engineers insignia, a castle. Portland cement plaster, cleverly mimicking stonework, gives it that authentic castle look. This isn’t just a functional building. It’s a symbol of the Corps’ contribution to the city’s public health.
The Gatehouse Stage has witnessed the flow of water, the growth of the city, and the evolution of its water management systems. It’s a silent guardian, ensuring clean water reaches the residents of Washington D.C. The next time you enjoy a glass of water in the city, remember the Gatehouse Stage, the castle that stands guard over the city’s lifeblood.