Compton Hill Water Tower stands 179 feet at the highest point in the city of St. Louis. It is an attraction in itself. Yet, it is also paired with a controversial statue in Compton Hill Reservoir Park where I took a hike in the city.

History of Compton Hill Water Tower

Architect Harvey Ellis designed Compton Hill Water Tower. He was also the architect for St. Louis City Hall and Washington Terrace Gatehouse in St. Louis.

It was the third to be built in the area after the white column Grand Avenue Water Tower and brick Bissell Water Tower both in north St. Louis.

The three water towers were in fact standpipes encased in architecture and a critical part of St. Louis’s early water system. Standpipes absorbed surges from the late-19th-century reciprocating water pumps, ensuring consistent water pressure. 

Taken out of use as a standpipe in 1929, Compton Hill Water Tower was still used by the Water Department as a dispatch antenna until 1984.

It deteriorated until 1995 when neighborhood groups rallied behind it and helped to raise $19 million for its restoration

The Naked Truth Statue

In front of the tower is The Naked Truth statue unveiled in May of 1914. It is in memorial to three German-American newspapermen: Carl Schurz, Emil Preetorius, and Carl Daenzer, editors of the German St. Louis newspaper Westliche Post.

The design was selected through a competition initiated by the largest private donor, Adolphus Busch.

Most entrants were local artists except for W. Wilhelm Wandschneider, an internationally renowned sculptor from Berlin. The jury selected the German’s design of a single, nude female figure.

Yet, that selection of a nude figure was controversial. The Memorial Association fielded calls from local residents upset with the choice.

When Wandschneider came to the U.S. to meet with the design committee he argued for the appropriateness of the design and a compromise was reached. The statue would be made in bronze instead of white marble to deemphasize nudity.

It was originally located on the north side of the water tower but was moved when Interstate 44 was built.

My Time At Compton Hill Reservoir Park

Parking Along Russell Boulevard

I found parking along Russell Boulevard facing Compton Hill Water Tower. Then I started my walk going towards the lily pond that fronts the statue and water tower.

I was first going to walk along the paved trail at the bottom of the reservoir.
Then the grass trail that borders the cement wall at the top of the reservoir to make a little more of a mile walk.

Although I ended up doing a mix of both as I took photos.

First, I headed towards the tower passing by the brown brick Park Pavilion before walking down to the lily pond. A fountain in the middle shoots out water in a circular fashion.

I walked up to The Naked Truth statue that fronts the tower. It is a naked woman holding what looks like cauldrons of fire to the side. Names of the journalists are behind her on a stone wall.

Raising my gaze skyward at the tower, it gave a castle-like feel. At the top, I saw a small white pointed roof that goes with the main egg-shaped tower cap. I feel like Rapunzel should be gazing out the highest window and I should be asking her to let down her hair.

Going Up to the Reservoir

The reservoir has grand steps that split in two directions behind the tower.

On the first level is the statue’s head, looking a bit fierce with its mouth open with water spitting out of it. 

A different statue head is on the second level sporting a twirly mustache and a pointy crown. Its mouth is open wide like his tongue is going AHH with water powering out.

Next, I went to the left and looked down, I was high up. Walking along the grassy area by the reservoir wall is not for those who are afraid of heights. Once you go in front of the reservoir the Interstate is below you so be careful.

Yet, the views are worth it. At first, I saw Clayton with its glass skyscrapers in the distance. Then I made the turn towards the interstate.

Central West End with Barnes Jewish Hospital and the new 100 Above the Park building was in view.

Finally seeing the Arch and One Metropolitan Square.

Back of the Park

Behind the reservoir along Compton Hill Place street is the main area of the park for activities. Here I found the tennis courts, a dog park, and a playground.

Across the street are tall historic red brick homes.

Russell Boulevard Mansions

Next, I walked along Russell Boulevard and saw across the street the Magic Chef Mansion. The founder of Quick Meal and Magic Chef Stove Company built his 12,000 square foot terra-cotta masterpiece here in 1908.

Outside the park across Russell Boulevard is the Compton Heights neighborhood. Mansions in these winding streets were once home to the elite. Corporate leaders of St. Louis: Monsanto Corporation, Falstaff, and Anheuser Busch lived here.

I didn’t have time today but have walked in the area before and admired the richly ornate homes.

Fire Damages Historic Building

Also along Russell Boulevard is the former Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum which was devastated by a fire.

Luckily the manuscripts such as the proclamation of France’s approval of the Louisiana Purchase were saved. It is uncertain what the future holds for the building.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a short walk. You can make it longer if you do some loops around the reservoir or stroll into Compton Heights neighborhood.

I love the tower, the statue and the views from the top, and the stately manors nearby. It is also an easy hike to get to along Grand Avenue near Interstate 44.

NOTE: You used to be able to go up to the top of the Compton Hill Water Tower, but it is closed due to maintenance issues. For more information or to donate to help with the maintenance of the tower go to https://www.watertowerfoundation.org

DETAILS:

Drive: Take either Interstate 44 or Interstate 64 to Grand Street. Go south on Grand and the park is on the left side of the street. Make a left turn onto Russell Boulevard and look for parking along the street.

Hours: 6 am – 10 pm

Address: 1700 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104

Another Urban Hike

Dad Hikes: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The mile-long Old Chain of Rocks Bridge 60-feet above the Mississippi River with a 30-degree turn midway was my quest today.

This bridge is historical since it once was part of a stretch of historic U.S. Route 66 and is at a major point along the Mississippi River near rock ledges that once created dangerous rapids for riverboats.

NOTE: Although the bridge leads to St. Louis, parking is only available on the Illinois side of the bridge. Cross the Mississippi River on Interstate 270 towards Illinois then exit onto Highway 3 south then a right turn onto Chain of Rocks Road and the road ends at parking for the bridge.

Dad Hikes — I am venturing into exploring the urban side of hiking in the St. Louis area. Feel free to share suggestions for hikes to do. Also, share any questions you might have on the hikes!