Burnt Corn Park Cistern - Brewton, AL
Posted by: 
hoteltwo
N 31° 06.260 W 087° 04.485
16R E 492871 N 3441167
The location of the old cistern covered with trees and brush when it was discovered. The city cleaned up the area and placed this marker to explain the history of the tank.
Waymark Code: WMR0VP
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 04/25/2016
Views: 4
Marker text:
Side 1
This tank was used to hold water for the City of Brewton Electric Light and Water Works Fire Protection System and was built circa early 1890's. This location was originally the Blacksher Miller Lumber Company, which became Foshee & McGowin Lumber in 1899. The Lovelace Brothers bought the mill in 1900.
There were other tanks and wells within the site used to support fire control as well. Fire was a huge issue for lumber mills as many of them in the area had fires over the years which destroyed their facilities.
(Continued on other side)
Side 2
(Continued from other side)
There were at least three wells dug and were used to constantly feed the water level in this tank. One well is just down the embankment from the back wall of the tank structure and it still flows today out of a vertical cast iron pipe.
There would have been a hose reel house close by the tank. Notice the old brick foundation across the walk path from this location. The Sanborn Map of 1898 shows a small hose reel house, possibly housing a pump as well. The tank is shown at this particular location with three springs feeding it.
Marker Name: Burnt Corn Park Cistern (Water Tank)
Marker Type: Urban
Addtional Information::
Erected by the City of Brewton.
Date Dedicated / Placed: 7/12/2012
Marker Number: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please post a photo of you OR your GPS at the marker location. Also if you know of any additional links not already mentioned about this bit of Alabama history please include that in your log.