Historic Fountains
In the 19th century, urban traffic in Charlottesville required something other than a gas station for fuel. Instead, the equine motors needed water. 
To satisfy this daily requirement, the city installed four water fountains. The upper portion of the fountain was for two-legged animals, while other domesticates used the overflow from the “fishes” that was collected below in a basin. Unfortunately, none of the fountains survived in situ in the 20th century. But recently the Charlottesville Volunteer Fire Company and the City of Charlottesville restored one of them and erected it near Court Square (seen at the left in the photograph). The fountain dates to 1892, while the design was patented in 1880. The next time you are strolling down the mall, take a short side-trip to view the intricately carved motifs on this historic feature.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
This fountain was previously located to the east of what is now the Carver Recreation Center in a small garden area. I can remember when it was restored and placed there, but I do not recall where it was before that. Several Holsinger photos record the locations of some other, now lost, fountains.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:39 am
There is a post card of the Midway School that shows a fountain where the Lewis and Clark Statue is now located. A copy of this card may be viewed at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society.