# History of the Old Croton Aqueduct

## Origins and Construction

The Croton Water Supply System was established to address critical public health crises. New York City faced recurring fires and epidemics that repeatedly devastated the metropolis, stemming from inadequate water infrastructure and contaminated wells.

The project's initial chief engineer, Major David B. Douglass, designed the route and hydraulic systems. John B. Jervis took over in 1836 and finalized the design before construction commenced in 1837, relying heavily on Irish immigrant laborers.

## Physical Structure

The aqueduct comprises a horseshoe-shaped brick tunnel 8.5 feet high by 7.5 feet wide, built on stone foundations with earthen protection. Engineers designed it on ancient Roman gravity-fed principles, maintaining a steady gradient of 13 inches per mile across varied topography.

The infrastructure navigated challenging terrain through hillside cuts, ground-level placement, rock tunneling, and impressive spans, including stone arches crossing major waterways like the Harlem River.

## Operation and Impact

Water entered the system on June 22, 1842, traveling 41 miles in 22 hours before filling Manhattan reservoirs at present-day Central Park and the New York Public Library site, sparking great civic rejoicing.

## Later History

The Old Croton Aqueduct supplied the city until 1955. The New Croton Aqueduct, built in 1890, eventually replaced it. In 1968, New York State acquired the 26.2-mile Westchester County section, establishing the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park.