Fairmount Water Works

Lafayette Historic Tour of Fairmount Water Works
2026-05-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, United States
The Marquis de Lafayette was 19 when he first came to America in 1777 to fight for its freedom. When he returned in August, 1824 for his farewell tour he was 67. At the end of his tour, in the summer of 1825, Lafayette visited Philadelphia once more, specifically to see the dedication of the Fairmount Water Works with a tour by the watering committee. He referred to it as “the perfect embodiment of the American Government, in which were combined simplicity, power, and economy.”
Join us for a guided interpretation of the 1815 engineering marvel that so impressed Lafayette on his Philadelphia visit. Tours will include excerpts from the extensive writings of both Lafayette and his secretary, Auguste Levasseur, about their experience at the site, that is now designated a Historic Landmark building.
Open to all. Free. Registration preferred.
Open to all, free admission
