Washington Aqueduct Castle Gatehouse – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Washington Aqueduct Castle Gatehouse

Washington, D.C.

A building shaped like the Army Corps of Engineers logo, because why not? 

View all photos
The windows have been bricked up for years. Elliot Carter
The windows have been bricked up for years. Elliot Carter
Surveying the interior with an Army Corps of Engineers escort. Elliot Carter
Eel! Elliot Carter
The sluice gate. Elliot Carter
Life preserver. Elliot Carter
It's pitch black when the door closes. Elliot Carter
219
451
Top Places in Washington, D.C.
The Moon rock is located in the center of the red planet in the Space Window's upper half
Space Window at the Washington National Cathedral
Washington, D.C.
East Potomac Park Mini Golf
Washington, D.C.
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
Washington, D.C.
 See All

Built in 1901 as an expansion onto the Washington Aqueduct’s receiving reservoir, the castle gatehouse is a rare example of architecture based on a government logo, the so-called “Corps Castle” insignia.

The castle stands atop the entrance to a four-mile-long tunnel that connects with an early bit of public health infrastructure: a Slow Sand Filtration facility on the other side of Washington, D.C.

The castle and tunnel were built as a part of an effort to reduce annual typhoid epidemics that plagued Washington during summertime. Prior to their construction, all tap water in the city was unfiltered, muddy, and laced with bacteria.

Inside the castle, Aqueduct employees can monitor the stream in a little observation pool before it enters the tunnel. At this preliminary stage in the filtration process it’s not uncommon to see marine life like fish and even eels. There’s also a large iron sluice gate that can be dropped down to cut off the flow if maintenance is necessary.

The castle gatehouse is a local landmark that’s loved by locals, even if they aren’t privy to its technical purpose.

army water towers waterworks castles roadside attractions architectural oddities architecture
Community Contributors
Elliot Carter
Added by
Elliot Carter
Published
September 19, 2017
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
C&O Boat Elevator Ruins
0.25 miles
Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle Ruins
0.62 miles
Ruins of the Columbian Cannon Foundry
0.68 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Iron rails from the Incline Plane lay discarded, slowly sinking into the earth.
Washington, D.C.

C&O Boat Elevator Ruins

This forgotten boat elevator was an engineering marvel in its heyday.
Washington, D.C.

Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle Ruins

A derelict bit of transportation infrastructure hidden in the woods.
The ruins.
Washington, D.C.

Ruins of the Columbian Cannon Foundry

These recently uncovered walls are all that's left of Washington, D.C's first defense contractor.
Foundry Branch Tunnel
Washington, D.C.

Foundry Branch Tunnel

Once a sewer culvert, this road tunnel now offers cyclists and pedestrians a subterranean stroll under the C&O Canal.
Related Places
Lainate, Italy

Area di Servizio Villoresi Est

This Volcano-like rest area was designed by architect Giulio Ceppi built according to energy efficiency and ecological footprint standards.
Manitou Springs, Colorado

Miramont Castle Museum

This enigmatic building features numerous architectural styles.
San Jose, California

Mark's Hot Dogs

For roadside fast food, pull over at the giant orange.
Johnstone, Scotland

Johnstone Castle

A 16th-century castle unexpectedly nestled within a post-war housing development.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web