The Great Artesian Fountain

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Stereograph of the Artesian Well near the intersection of Wisconsin and Minnesota (later renamed Wacouta) Streets. The following is printed on the back of the photograph: "The Greatest Artesian Well in America. The Largest Flow in the World, of the Same Size Bore, with One Exception. This well was completed in February 1876, bore 5 5/8 inches; pipe projects 10 feet above the ground the water falling into a basin 30 feet in diameter. A movable cap on top of the pipe obstructing the upward flow, and the water is forced outward and upward in all directions, by a pressure of 20,000 pounds. Depth 960 feet or 970 from top of pipe. Temperature 56 F. Water flowed to top of pipe at a depth of 268 feet. Discharge per minute 603 9-10 gallons or nearly 30,000 bbls. Water will rise in a pipe 60 feet above ground or 100 feet above the Mississippi river. The whole distance that the water will rise is 1,020 feet above the bottom of the well. The pipe goes down 147 feet through sand and gravel to rock, first lime-rock 2 feet, shale 107 feet, sand rock 118 feet, sandy shale 90 feet, red and yellow ocher 6 feet, sandy shale 25 feet, sand-rock 4 feet (here brine begins to flow), sandy shale 71 feet, red, white and yellow sandstone in alternate layers, 355 feet, conglomerate of water-worn quartz-pebbles 35 feet, to bottom of well; which is 327 1/2 feet below the level of the ocean. The water from this well is found to possess rare medicinal properties, and has cured many diseases of the bladder and kidney, Rheumatism, Dispepsia, St. Vitus dance, chronic female complaints, and has infused new life and vigor into the aged and debilitated."