Croton in the 1850s

In his classic work "The Hudson, from the Wilderness to the Sea", Benson John Lossing documented the Hudson River's beauty and historical significance. This excerpt presents his observations of the Croton area from the 1850s, featuring his detailed descriptions and wood engravings based on his own drawings.

Croton Point and Its Vineyards

Teller's Point, renamed Croton Point, stretches nearly two miles and separates Tappan from Haverstraw Bay. Originally called Se-nas-qua by Native Americans and Sarah's Point by English settlers, the location was purchased by William Teller from Indigenous peoples. By Lossing's era, the point featured an Italian villa belonging to Dr. R.T. Underhill, who maintained extensive vineyards of Isabella and Catawba grapes alongside orchards producing fine apples and melons.

The Croton River and Aqueduct

Navigating upriver proved challenging due to tidal currents. The Croton River, originally named Kitch-a-wan meaning "large and swift current," became crucial to New York City's water supply. Beginning in 1837, authorities constructed an aqueduct system extending from six miles upriver to the metropolis. An 1841 flood destroyed the initial dam, which was subsequently rebuilt at higher elevation, creating a reservoir containing approximately 500 million gallons and supplying 40-50 million gallons daily.

The aqueduct route was marked by distinctive ventilator towers placed at mile intervals, featuring various architectural designs. Construction concluded in autumn 1842 at approximately $12 million cost.

Van Cortlandt Manor

The Van Cortlandt Manor House, erected early in the eighteenth century, stood as a historic gathering place for prominent colonial figures. Washington frequently visited when quartered nearby; Franklin and preacher Whitefield also graced the mansion. The structure featured loopholes for defense against Indigenous attacks and commanded extensive views of Croton Bay.

Lossing met Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt at the estate's entrance and received hospitality for the evening.

A Memory of Washington

During his visit, Lossing met Mrs. Miriam Williams, a ninety-year-old twin who possessed vivid memories of Washington's presence near Verplanck's Point. She recalled an encounter where Washington visited her father's house, placed his hands on her and her sister's heads, remarking "You are as alike as two eggs. May you have long life." He then reverently asked a blessing before consuming simple food and water. Mrs. Williams preserved "the very table at which that good man asked a blessing."

Prickly Pear Hill

Ascending Prickly Pear Hill, nearly five hundred feet above the river, Lossing observed an extraordinary panorama of Revolutionary War sites. Washington had camped at this location in 1782 and used it as his primary observation point. From this vantage, one could view the Highlands, Fish Kill Mountains, Peek's Kill, Verplanck's Point, Stony Point, Haverstraw, King's Ferry, Pine's Bridge, Tarrytown, and Piermont -- locations intimately connected to major Revolutionary events and the capture and execution of spy John Andre.

Haverstraw Bay

The bay represented the Hudson's widest expanse, abundant with fish, particularly shad during spring spawning seasons. Porpoises frequently appeared in summer waters. Lossing characterized the region as exceptionally suitable for summer residence, combining natural resources with historic significance.