In 1870 a fire department was organized - a major public service - but its source of water wasn't much better than a bucket brigade.

The city council approved the project, agreeing to fund it if Wheeler would operate the system.

Work commenced, but after some snags, Wheeler took on the city's responsibilities in exchange for a 20-year franchise to operate the water system.

A doorway at the bottom leads inside, where a wooden staircase climbs around an inner cylinder of brick, which sheaths the pipe rising from the well and provides additional support for the tank above.

[4] Though a water tower now seems the obvious solution for a small town, different ideas were competing in 1889, and Wheeler had to defend his design.

He said the elevated tank was better than pumps alone because it would reliably provide high pressure if needed to extinguish a fire.

The Monroe Sentinel pointed out the "efficient fire protection," which would reduce insurance rates and raise property values.