O, blessed be the Croton!

The article introduces a poem by Lydia Maria Child celebrating the Croton Aqueduct's opening in 1842. Child, described as "renowned in her day as a tireless crusader for truth and justice," wrote "The New-York Boy's Song" to honor how clean water transformed New York City.

The poem expresses joy about the aqueduct's benefits across social classes. As Child wrote, the Croton "flows for man and beast, and gives its wealth out freely, to the greatest and the least." The verse celebrates how water improved conditions for vulnerable populations—poor children could wash, animals could drink, and even individuals struggling with alcohol addiction found relief through accessible fresh water.