The Indian Hill Water Tower: A New Deal Treasure

By Mary Casey-Sturk

The Indian Hill Water Tower (Old Water Tower) was constructed as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Roosevelt (FDR) took office in 1933 and the New Deal was an effort to respond to the crisis of the Great Depression and alleviate financial suffering and widespread despair. Under this program, FDR and the “New Dealers” launched many new programs to respond to a wide range of problems, including bank stabilization, economic stimulation, job creation, raising wages, investing in public works, and modernization. The New Deal lasted until America entered World War II in 1942. 

In its ten years, the New Deal transformed the country and restored the faith of many.

Using federal agencies, local governments, and with community input, it built hundreds of new roads, bridges, tunnels, libraries, water towers, parks, schools, post offices, and more. 

According to the Living New Deal website the Indian Hill water tower project is described as the following: “To ensure equal water pressure throughout the system and to supply the demands of an ever-increasing population, the City of Cincinnati constructed a water storage tower just west of Miami Road, near Brill Road. Construction of the French Provincial style water tower was started in 1933 and completed in 1936 by WPA labor. Its capacity of 500,000 gallons improved the water service considerably.” 

The Indian Hill Historical Society shares more facts on its website, including:

• The tower was funded by the City of Cincinnati with Public Works Administration labor.
• In 1948, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the City of Cincinnati did not have to provide water to Indian Hill, since it was not part of the city.
• The Village of Indian Hill purchased the tower and existing mains from the City of Cincinnati.
• While the water systems have been enlarged several times, this tower is the only remaining elevated water source for Indian Hill, Terrace Park, and Madeira.
• The picturesque structure has been designated an American Water Landmark by the American Water Works Association.

For more information about New Deal projects, visit www.livingnewdeal.org

For more information about the Indian Hill Historical Society, visit http://www.indianhill.org