19th century underground water reservoir found during construction in Mass. town
Construction crews in Marblehead, Mass., were surprised to discover an intact underground fire cistern dating back to around 1885, the Marblehead Current reported. The discovery was made as excavation work was underway to transform a local school playground into a community park.
According to the Marblehead Current, the water reservoir measures 24 ft circumference and 23 ft deep, and dates back to around 1885. Crews were astonished at how well-preserved the cistern was, as similar structures are typically filled in with earth and debris over time.
Marblehead Department of Public Works Superintendent Amy McHugh explained that crews had to first test the water within the cistern to ensure it could safely go through the stormwater system, as well as determine if there was groundwater seeping in or something else.
The department is working with the contractor to permanently close the cistern while preserving its structural integrity. The crews plan to use bricks from the cistern in the park construction plans to preserve a piece of the city’s fire department history.
The find has delayed the Park on Elm Street construction timeline, with completion now expected in spring 2026 rather than the originally planned end of 2025.
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