Texas Capitol Artesian Well

This is a reproduction of an drinking fountain that was placed on the Texas Capitol grounds in 1902. The water source for the fountain was an artesian well that was completed in 1889. The well was the Capitol's water source, and a boiler converted the water to steam to power the building's first electric generator.

The original drinking fountain was cast iron and featured a metal drinking cup that dangled down for everyone to use. In 1928, a granite version replaced the cast-iron one, and in 1980, the fountain was closed due to more stringent water-quality standards in the city. When the Capitol underwent extensive renovations in 1996, this reproduction of the original fountain was installed to once again provide drinking water to visitors to the Capitol (minus the communal water cup!).

The fountain is located on the east side of the great walk, leading to the Capitol's main front entrance. On the day I visited, the fountain didn't produce any water when I stepped on the foot lever, but the city has been in a drought for several years, so I assume the fountain has been closed temporarily as a water conservation measure.