Forbes Hill Standpipe

The Forbes Hill Standpipe is a water tower in Quincy built from local granite stone, featuring a cylindrical tank roughly 30 feet in diameter and rising nearly 65 feet high. This structure was part of the regional water system and helped maintain pressure in the pipes that carried water to homes throughout the city.

The structure was built between 1899 and 1902 as part of the Metropolitan Boston Water System serving the region. It was taken out of service in the 1950s when the Blue Hills Reservoir took over the city's water supply responsibilities.

The National Register of Historic Places recognized this engineering achievement in 1990 for its contribution to early American municipal water infrastructure.

The tower sits on a hillside in Quincy and is visible from various streets, making it easy to locate. The grounds around the structure are open to the public, though entry into the tower itself is not permitted.

A spiral staircase winds between the steel tank and the tower walls, leading to a crenelated roof that once offered public viewing access. This observation area was eventually closed, but the structure still shows signs of when visitors could enjoy views across the city.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.25764,-71.02831

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10