[1] Built to enclose the tall machinery of a powerful water pump in 1869, it became particularly well known when it survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, although adjacent buildings burned to the ground.

The tower is located at 806 Michigan Avenue along the Magnificent Mile shopping district in the Near North Side community area of Chicago, Illinois in a small park, the Jane M. Byrne Plaza.

The tower, built in 1869 by architect William W. Boyington from yellowing Lemont limestone,[2] is 182.5 feet (55 m) tall.

In 1918, when Pine Street was widened, the plans were altered in order to give the Water Tower a featured location in the city.

Oscar Wilde said it looked like "a castellated monstrosity with pepper boxes stuck all over it," although he did admire the arrangement and movement of the pumping machinery inside.

[10][11] The Water Tower's castle-like style inspired the design of some White Castle restaurant buildings.