Doesn’t that turquoise tile shimmer? Here at the William Mulholland Memorial, we celebrate a man inextricably linked to the story of Los Angeles and its lifeblood water. Let’s dive into the history of this memorial.
The William Mulholland Memorial stands as a tribute to William Mulholland. He was the self-taught Irish-American civil engineer. He built the infrastructure that made Los Angeles a major city. Mulholland was born in Belfast Ireland in 1855. He died in Los Angeles in 1935.
He designed the Los Angeles Aqueduct. This 233-mile system transported water from the Owens Valley to the San Fernando Valley. The aqueduct’s creation led to the California Water Wars.
The William Mulholland Memorial here is a reminder of his work. It is located at the entrance to Griffith Park. The memorial includes a 90-foot reflecting pool. It also features turquoise tiles and art deco tiers. Water falls over the tiers into the pool.
William Mulholland’s early life was marked by hardship. His mother died when he was seven. At 14, he went to sea after a beating from his father. He joined the British Merchant Navy. He spent four years as a seaman. In 1874, he left the ship in New York City.
In 1877, William Mulholland arrived in Los Angeles. He worked as a ditch digger for the Los Angeles City Water Company. He rose to superintendent by 1886.
Los Angeles faced a water shortage. Mulholland developed a plan to bring water from the Owens River. The Los Angeles Aqueduct was the result. At the aqueduct’s opening in 1913, he declared “There it is. Take it.”
The aqueduct enabled Los Angeles to grow. However, it harmed the Owens River Valley. Farmers and residents depended on that water. Mulholland’s plan was kept secret. The city acquired water rights through Frederick Eaton. This caused hostility. Some tried to destroy the aqueduct.
In the 1920s, Mulholland focused on building a large reservoir. The St. Francis Dam was constructed. Cracks and leaks appeared during filling. Mulholland dismissed them. On March 12, 1928, the dam collapsed. It sent billions of gallons of water rushing down the canyon.
The St. Francis Dam disaster caused massive flooding. At least 450 people died. Mulholland’s reputation was ruined. He resigned. He accepted responsibility for the disaster. He said, “Don’t blame anyone else, you just fasten it on me.”
His legacy is complex. He enabled Los Angeles to thrive. He also caused harm to the Owens Valley. Mulholland Dam, Mulholland Drive and Mulholland Middle School are named for him. These places stand as testaments to his impact.
The William Mulholland Memorial serves as a place for reflection. It is a space to consider the cost of progress. It prompts us to think about the balance between human ambition and environmental responsibility. Take a moment to ponder William Mulholland’s story. Think about the choices we make. Consider the legacy we leave behind. The William Mulholland Memorial is more than just a fountain. It is a powerful symbol of Los Angeles’ past and its future.