Old Waterworks
Also known as: 1762 Waterworks
Why it's listed
Built in 1762 on the flood plain of Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the Old Waterworks was a stone pumphouse that used an undershot water wheel to drive pumps. A stone-lined race carried water through the building, and the pumps, operated by wallower and cogs off the main axle, lifted spring water about 90 vertical feet to supply the community. The Moravian settlement's system is believed to be the first pumped or forced water system in the United States. Its design reflects 18th century Germanic building traits common in Bethlehem, including limestone walls, a gabled roof and brick eyebrow arches. The pump house ceased operating in 1832 when the system moved to steam power. Later it served as office and warehouse space for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Its engineering and its role in delivering cleaner water to residents explain its importance.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that the system is believed to be the first pumped or forced water system in the United States, and that it is an example of 18th century Germanic Moravian building in Bethlehem. It also cites the engineering and urban planning value of delivering water to residents without carting. The building is noted as a designated national historic landmark of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 72001142, listed June 19, 1972. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Within Historic Subdistrict A near Monocacy Creek, Bethlehem |
|---|---|
| County | Northampton County |
| Listed | June 19, 1972 |
| Reference number | 72001142 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1762 |
| Architectural style | 18th century Germanic architecture |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Industry, Engineering |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated May 29, 1981 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Fair condition; altered, at original site. |
| Acreage | 6.2 |
| Within district | Central Bethlehem Historic District |
| Coordinates | 40.62083, -75.38300 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 72001142.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4898072
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.