Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. . , Aqueduct History , Built between 1837 and 1842, the Croton Aqueduct profoundly changed New York City by providing abundant clean water from the Croton River in northern Westchester County. Local wells, springs and ponds had gradually become polluted from lack of sewers and the unchecked growth of industry. Investing in a new water supply became a priority after a devastating Cholera Epidemic in 1832 and the Great Fire of 1835., The aqueduct, designed by John B. Jervis, was one of the most ambitious public works projects ever undertaken in the United States and a magnificent example of 19th century engineering. The system used gravity alone to carry water through an enclosed masonry structure for 41 miles through varied terrain, and over streams, roads and rivers. Construction of the aqueduct allowed New York City to grow and prosper, and it remained in use until 1955, when it was taken out of service. As indoor plumbing became commonplace, water use increased, and this system became known as the “old” Croton Aqueduct when the New Croton Aqueduct was built in the late 1880s. Later, the water supply system was supplemented by the Catskill System (1915) and the Delaware System (1944). The section of the old Croton Aqueduct in the Bronx, and the High Bridge over the Harlem River, are National Historic Landmarks., Highbridge Park , The aqueduct passed through this area as it carried water from Westchester County to Manhattan. The route of this aqueduct jogs to the west of this location, instead of running directly north-south, to avoid steep slopes. South of 151st Street, the route of the aqueduct runs straight along Amsterdam Avenue on flatter and softer ground., Depending on the terrain, the path of the aqueduct was either level with the ground, set up on embankments, tunneled under the ground or rock, or carried over arched bridges – including the magnificent High Bridge of the Harlem River, for which Highbridge Park is named.