Near the end of the 19th century a 100 foot tall standpipe was
built to help equalize water pressure in St Louis. The standpipe
wasn't attractive so the Water Tower was built in 1898 to
camouflage the standpipe. The Tower was built in a French
Romanesque style, using limestone and brick. It has 198 iron steps
inside that spiral up to the top. At the top there is an
observation deck with a 360-degree view of St Louis.
As the years past St Louis developed other options for water
service and by 1929, 30 years after it was built, the Compton Hill
Tower was no longer needed. Many people had come to see the water
tower, climb to the top, and look out over St Louis. The tower was
also popular during the 1904 World’s Fair. Today the tower is
typically only open the first Saturday of the non-winter months,
and some special nights when the moon is full. Consult their web
site if you would like to climb the tower.
The park also contains a statue that is a memorial to Dr.
Preetorius, Mr. Schurz and Mr. Daenzer. All three were
German-Americans, and editors of the St. Louis Westliche Post.
The terrain rating is only for step climbing. If you can walk up
the steps you will have no trouble with the cache. Have fun in this
interesting and historic park, and happy caching.
Congratulations and FTF honors to ibew ret
