Documentary History of American Water-works

Paris

Paris, Illinois

Paris was incorporated as a village in 1849 and as a city in 1869.

The city built water works that began service in January 1879 by using a steam-engine to pump water directly into the mains. The system was rebuilt in 1895 with a new reservoir and pumping station.

Water is provided by the city of Paris.

References
1878 "Paris, Illinois, Water Works," The Inter Ocean, July 25, 1878, Page 1.
After a thorough canvass of the proposition to establish water-works in this city, the election resulted strongly in favor of erecting works, which will be proceeded with immediately.

1879 The Mattoon Weekly Gazette, January 17, 1879, Page 4.
The Paris water-works have gone into operation.

1879 The History of Edgar County, Illinois, Containing a History of the County--its Cities, Towns, &c
Page 324: Paris. As a further convenience, water works are being put in at the present time, and that of a very substantial character, so that the city will soon be well watered, as well as lighted.

1881 Paris, Engineering News, 8:333 (August 20, 1881)

1884 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. August 1884

1888 "Paris," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 1.

1890 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. April 1890

1890 "Paris," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 2.

1891 "Paris," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 3.

1895 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. September 1895
Sheet 1: New water works being built.

1897 "Paris," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 4.

1900 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. August 1900

1908 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. March 1908

1916 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. June 1916