Name This Peoria Landmark

Peoria Landmark #313

I had no clue what this thing was until Bruce E. Hamilton suggested it was a water intake, which septboy clarified: “took a cruise on the Spirit with the family a month or so ago. A man sitting with the Capt. was pointing out different areas of interest. I asked him about this… it was an intake for the water co. they now get the water from the san koty aquifer.”

It’s easier to see up close than I thought. Park your car near the Water Works building by the McCluggage bridge and walk along the outside of the fence near the railroad tracks, following it towards the river. A short walk through the woods and you can’t miss it.

It does resemble the NTPL #164 in that it is round and is located nearby, but #164’s purpose still remains a mystery, as it sits above the waterline, and has a stairway leading into it. I would suggest that it has something to do with the ferries that used to operate in this vicinity, but I have not been able to confirm that.

Peoria Landmark #312

Tim Hill: “An old pump house just north of the bridge. It is near the intake that was just posted.”

Although I don’t really know what it is, If #313 really is an old water intake, then this building with large cast iron pipes coming out of it (not shown) would logically seem to be a pump house. This is located just north of the McCluggage Bridge & Water Works on the banks of the Illinois River.

Located just south of the McCluggage bridge along the Illinois River. Original use is still unknown.

Walking directions: How to find Peoria Landmark 164 in 7 easy steps.

Original Photo by Scott O’Brien.