Gasometers

Gasometers (or "gas holder") are common in European cities, but comparatively rare in the United States. These massive tanks rise and fall to maintain pressure in natural gas lines through the city. The gas floats above a base volume of water; as the amount of gas changes, the tank rises and falls. The gasometers were retired in the early 2000s as Laclede Gas switched to underground gas storage, with the tanks permanently lowered out of sight and only the skeletal support framework looming above. Only one gasometer has survived to 2010.

These strange landmarks are visible for miles around. Their steel frameworks are fascinating studies of layered geometrical patterns.

Click on any image to explore that site.