The High Bridge

The High Bridge. . , Seven plaques relating to the history of the High Bridge, Plaque 1: , 1848 High Bridge Construction , Water Commissioners , Stephen Allen, Chairman , Saul Alley , Charles Dusenberry , William W. Fox , T.T. Woodruff, Chief Engineer , John B. Jervis, Contractor , Law, Roberts and Mason, Plaque 2: , High Bridge Restoration 2015 , Bill De Blasio , Mayor, Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Commissioner , Department of Parks and Recreation, Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora, Commissioner , Department of Design and Construction, Transfers Corporation , Designer , Schiavone Construction Co., LLC. , Contractor, Plaque 3: , C.1870 A Destination C. 1910 , The High Bridge became a popular destination for day trips. New Yorkers came by steamboat and streetcar to stroll across the walkway., Plaque 4: , 1869 New Reservoir 1872 , Water was needed for Upper Manhattan’s growing population. It was pumped by coal engines to the High Bridge Reservoir and Water Tower., Plaque 5: , 1861 Thirsty City 1864 , Public demand for water outpaced the capacity of the two original 3-foot pipes. A 7 ½-foot wrought iron pipe was added, covered by a new brick walkway., Plaque 6: , 1839 The High Bridge 1848 , Bringing water across the Harlem River was an engineering challenge. The High Bridge was a marvel of design, evoking an ancient Roman aqueduct., Plaque 7: , 1837 Fresh Water 1842 , The 41-mile Croton Aqueduct carried fresh water by gravity from the Croton Dam, over the High Bridge, to reservoirs in Manhattan.