The Connection Behind Meigs Pl NE & the Washington Aqueduct Dam

Ever walked along the Potomac River north of Great Falls and wondered what that unusual structure across the water actually is? That’s the Washington Aqueduct Dam, a mid-19th century engineering project that still supplies much of DC’s and Virginia's drinking water. Built to carry fresh water from the Potomac into the Dalecarlia Resevoir, the aqueduct dam is still active today

The man behind it was Montgomery C. Meigs, a U.S. Army engineer whose work shaped much of Washington. Beyond the aqueduct, he oversaw the creation of Arlington National Cemetery and the Capitol dome, among other projects in the area. He later served as Quartermaster General of the Union Army during the Civil War. His projects are visible all across the city.

If you’ve ever driven by Meigs Place in Northeast DC, you’ve seen a street named after him. It’s a small tribute to an engineer who helped build many structures in DC that we still enjoy and use. 

Washington has so much history, and it is always fun to know who is the person behind the street sign. I also enjoy taking walks between Riverbend Park and Great Falls and am always impressed that a structure built during the Civil War era is still going strong! He may not be a household name but we enjoy his legacy everyday.