Civic Center in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Croton Fountain 1842-1870
Photographed By Larry Gertner, 2007
1. The Croton Fountain 1842-1870 Marker
This was the location of the Croton Fountain. It was fed by the Croton Aqueduct, which provided New York City with its first dependable supply of pure water. Considered one of the great engineering achievements of the mid-19th century, the aqueduct transported water from a reservoir located more than 40 miles north of lower Manhattan. The fountain was dedicated at a ceremony celebrating the completion of the aqueduct. The Croton Fountain’s circular stone basin was 100 feet in diameter, and the fountain could project a spire of water more than 50 feet into the air.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 40° 42.721′ N, 74° 0.439′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Civic Center. The marker is in the pavement on the path leading from the south end of the park to the Jacob Wrey Mould fountain. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10038, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Federal Post Office 1870-1939 (a few steps from this marker); The Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain (a few steps from this marker); New York City Hall Park (a few steps from this marker); Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain 1871-1920
this page online
Photographed By Larry Gertner, February 15, 2019
2. The Croton Fountain 1842-1870 Marker site
Photographed By Larry Gertner, 2007
3. The Croton Fountain
An illustration on a since-removed sidewalk marker in the area.
Lithograph by Bassau's Lithog. (image courtesy of the New York Public Library), 1842
4. View of New York City Hall, with fountain playing in foreground.
Sheet music cover, showing the fountain, for the "Croton Jubilee Quick Step", likely composed for the celebration of the inauguration of the aqueduct.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on February 22, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
