Name/Title
Print, PhotographicEntry/Object ID
2008.13.3Description
B & W digital scan of the spillway known as The Cascades, where LA Aqueduct water completes its journey from Owens Valley by dropping down 150' and eventually flowing into San Fernando Reservoir.
"Aqueduct construction ended at the point where it enters the San Fernando Valley, instead of being continued on to the City of LA, because that point, due to its topographic position and elevation of 1,465' was the logical one from which to begin a general distribution system for the entire region from the Sierra Madre mountains to the sea, and because the bonding power of the City could at that time bring the work no farther." --from LA Aqueduct Construction, Final Report, 1916
"This spillway is part of the original 1913 aqueduct, which is still in use. It was next to this pipe where William Mulholland stood on the aqueduct's opening day in 1913, addressing the assembled citizens, saying "This rude platform is an altar, and on it we are here consecrating this water supply and dedicating this Aqueduct to you and your children and your children's children-for all time." After this the valve that allowed the water to spill down this last slope, before entering into the water distribution system for the city, was turned, and as the water spilled downslope Mulholland said "There it is Mr. Mayor. Take it." In 1999, the DWP activated a new lighting system ."
This photo was either taken by or from the collection of Edward Francis Leahey.Collection
Edward Francis Leahey Collection