The historic Southern Pacific Water Tower in San Luis Obispo was built in 1940 at a cost of $2,130 and remains in its original position across from the city’s Mission-style railroad depot built during World War II. It was constructed to save time during train stops, when as many as 10 passenger trains a day stopped in San Luis Obispo and steam locomotives otherwise had to stop once at the roundhouse to take on water and again at the depot to load and unload passengers. Its 65,000-gallon steel tank allowed locomotives to take on water while stopped at the depot. It remained in service until 1956, when Southern Pacific retired the last steel locomotive on the coast line. After years of weathering and little maintenance, Southern Pacific Railroad planned to demolish the structure in the 1980’s, but the city purchased it to ensure its long-term preservation. In 1989, the city began a phased restoration to return it to its original appearance, including foundation repairs, asbestos removal, strengthening the timber supports, architectural restoration of the tank, roof replacement, and repair of the indicator panel that once showed the water level inside. The restoration was completed in 1998, preserving the water tower as a historic landmark and tribute to the Age of Steam.

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer