In 1771, the Moravian Town of Salem completed one of the first public waterworks systems in the American Colonies. Using nearby natural springs, the system carried water through bored logs joined and buried underground for a mile into Salem. It supplied public stand pipes in the streets and interior spigots in several buildings. Finished in just two months, it provided water for drinking, fire protection, and commercial use. George Washington stopped to view the waterworks in 1791 during his Southern Tour. In 1808, new ceramic pipes were installed but eventually failed because of high water pressure. In 1828, a pump-driven waterworks replaced the original system.