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 Fountains 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. It can be reached from Canyon of Heroes. 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.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
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
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Federal Post Office (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Windmill (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
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 969 times since then and 52 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.
