[1] The tower was built in 1871 by architect George I. Barnett in the form of a Corinthian order column with brick, stone and cast iron trim.

Inclusive of its base, shaft and capital, it stands 154 feet (47 m) tall.

Inside was a standpipe with a diameter of five feet, designed to hold water.

In 1912, the water tower was decommissioned, and its standpipe and internal spiral staircase were removed.

The staircase was replaced by a vertical ladder, and the tower was modified to include an aircraft warning light.