In 1869, William Boyington built a water tower in downtown Chicago. Little did he know that in two short years, his work would be tested by the flames of hell, or that 144 years after its dedication, the tower would be looked upon as one of the symbols of Chicago. Of course, this building is today known as simply the Water Tower, more famously for its status as being one of only a few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Contrary to popular belief, the tower was not the only structure to survive the fury of the flames, but it was the only public building to do so.
As previously stated, the building has become one of the city's most identifiable landmarks, but what has become of it nowadays? Well, given that the water needs of the city are a tad more complex now than they were in 1869, the tower is no longer used as a Water Tower. Instead, it is now used to house selected pieces from the city's art gallery. In addition to that, the tower was named an American Water Landmark in 1969. The tower itself is surrounded by a plaza with trees, and furthermore is in the middle of the Old Chicago Water Tower District, which includes the Pumping Station and a local Fire Station. The Water Tower is also located in the midst of the Magnificent Mile, and right next door to Water Tower Place, a 8-story mall.
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