The 75,000 gallon water tower, constructed in 1913, recently passed its 100th birthday. It is in beautiful condition, it lies within the boundaries of the City's Historic District and it meets the definition of a "historic structure" as defined in City Code. It is also identified as a landmark in the City's Old Town Sector Plan.

The tower, constructed of riveted steel and supporting a hemispherical tank, is quite unique, as most like it have already been lost to decay and/or demolition. In fact, it is so special and historically important that it would likely qualify for listing on state and national registers of historic places, based on its significance in the planning and development of our community and its engineering significance.

It has enhanced and protected the lives of many generations of citizens of the town and city of Manassas, providing water for our homes and businesses, and for firefighting. And even as it is no longer required to support those functions, it can continue to serve other important and useful purposes. Imagine this beautiful old structure repainted in traditional style, lighted at night, serving as a landmark and source of community pride for centuries to come.

It would be wrong to cut up the water tower and sell it for scrap metal, letting it go the way of other lost and much missed historic local landmarks, like the Portner Stone Tower, Tudor Hall, and Fort Beauregard. Please sign the petition to let Manassas City Council members know we want them to save our iconic and historic water tower!