American Gothic Photo

Photographer’s Note

Water Tower, N. Michigan Ave., Chicago

This is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The architect was William W. Boyington and the tower is constructed of Joliet limestone blocks quarried in Illinois. The water tower and accompanying pump station were designed in a castellated-Gothic Revival style. The tower looks like a medieval fortress (or in the words of Oscar Wilde, a "monstrosity with pepper boxes stuck all over it."). Since its survival of the Great Fire, the Chicago Water Tower became one of Chicago's main symbols. The tower became functionally obsolete many years ago, although the pumping station still pumps water for the city. The tower now houses a visitor information center and has become one of the major tourist attractions in Chicago.

Declared a landmark on October 6, 1971.

ISO 800, no tripod, VR on. Cross processed (C41-E6, yellow).

ayobami, Traveller has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ayobami (1343) 2006-01-06 8:53

Great perspective of the Water Tower with the added effect of the Christmas Lights. I love the Magnificent Mile at this point, especially during the holidays, and you've certainly captured and preserved that feeling here in this photo! Great lighting and clarity - well done with a tripod!

Traveller (667) 2006-01-08 0:40

Gorgeous picture! Real American gothic! The photo makes it look very festive and even romantic with the tree with lamps. The light is very favourable. I really like this picture; it's a very god job, in my opinion.