A warrior’s helmet in the heart of Tangletown. That is what the Washburn Park Water Tower looks like. This isn’t a fortress. It is a water tower.
The Washburn Park Water Tower stands proudly. It is in the winding Tangletown neighborhood of Minneapolis. You might stumble upon this imposing cement structure. It is bedecked with eagles and sword-wielding knights.
Built in 1931 the Washburn Park Water Tower replaced an older tower. The city needed something larger. The tower needed to accommodate the growing population south of downtown.
Three prominent Minneapolis professionals were tasked with the job. There was architect Harry Wild Jones. There was sculptor John K. Daniels. And there was engineer William S. Hewett. They wanted the water tower to be beautiful. It was to be in a developing neighborhood.
The Washburn Park Water Tower is one of three stone water towers. They were built in Minneapolis during the early 20th century. Kenwood Park Water Tower is just west of downtown. Prospect Park Water Tower is in southeast Minneapolis.
The design began with eight pilasters. It also had a domed top. All were made from reinforced concrete. People gathered to watch. The plaster casts were trucked in.
The story goes that Harry Wild Jones was clearing brush. He wanted to build his home in Tangletown. An eagle attacked him. The eagle was injured after a struggle. The architect brought it into town. Its wingspan was measured at seven feet. The Washburn Park Water Tower is topped with eight eagles. They look over the homes of the surrounding neighborhood. They face the cardinal and intercardinal directions.
Eight hooded knights adorn the buttresses. They are more noticeable. These are the Guardians of Health. They are symbolic protectors of the water supply. Minnesota was experiencing a deadly typhoid outbreak. It was during the time of construction. The eight-ton sculptures were affixed to the tower. They assured residents of its cleanliness.
The Washburn Park Water Tower is 110 feet high. It often serves as an unofficial beacon. Planes come in for landing. It stands on top of one of the highest points.
The original tower was built in 1893. Cadwallader and William Washburn built it. It supplied water for the Memorial Orphan Asylum. Water was pumped from the Minnehaha Creek. It went to the tower. Then it was piped to the orphanage. The city purchased the tower. This happened in 1915. It connected to the city water supply.
Harry Wild Jones was known for several other Minneapolis landmarks. These included Butler Square. They also included Lakewood Cemetery Chapel. He intended to add beauty to the developing neighborhood. He also wanted to create jobs during the Great Depression.
William S. Hewett was an engineer. He was from the Interlachen Bridge project. He incorporated modern hydro-engineering methods. Jones was clearing underbrush at his home. His home was also in its construction phase. A giant eagle attacked him. It had nearly an eight-foot wingspan. He had the eagle maimed. It was captured. It began attracting much attention. He used the eagle’s extraordinary dimensions. John Karl Daniels used his artistic skills. They cast the eight concrete lookalikes. They now sit atop the tower. They watch over their former domain.
In 1968 a malfunction occurred. It was at a nearby pumping station. The tower overflowed. It flooded the basements of surrounding houses.
The Washburn Park Water Tower was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on October 6, 1983.
Today the tower no longer supplies water. Instead, it is drained in the fall. It is filled in the spring. It provides a local head for water pressure. It helps throughout south Minneapolis during the summer.
The Washburn Park Water Tower still stands on its hilltop. It is more a Minneapolis landmark. It helps maintain the city’s water pressure. It is a magnificent piece of municipal art and engineering. Tangletown residents have adequate water pressure. They can water the lawn, take a shower, and run the dishwasher. Visitors come from near and far. They marvel at the 16-foot knights. The eagles are still watching over their small piece of urban splendor.