ERECTED 1896
CONSTRUCTION OF THE LENA WATER TOWER BEGAN IN THE FALL OF 1895.
LIMESTONE FROM A QUARRY EAST OF LENA WAS USED FOR THE BASE.
THE REST OF THE WATER TOWER WAS RED BRICK WITH A REDWOOD
RESERVOIR ON THE TOP. ON DECEMBER 25TH, 1895, DURING CONSTRUCTION,
THIS FIRST STRUCTURE COLLAPSED AFTER AN UNSEASONABLE THAW
WEAKENED THE POORLY MIXED MORTAR. IT WAS TORN DOWN AND REBUILT
IN THE SPRING OF 1896 BY THE U.S. WIND AND ENGINE COMPANY OF BATAVIA,
ILLINOIS AND HAS BEEN IN CONTINOUS USE SINCE THAT TIME.
THIS UNIQUE WATER TOWER WAS PLACED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ON FEBRUARY 20TH, 1997.