Site of Old Croton Dam

The Site of Old Croton Dam consists of masonry remains submerged beneath the New Croton Reservoir, one of the earliest major water infrastructure projects in North America. The stone foundations are visible from trails that wind through the surrounding gorge landscape.

Construction took place between 1837 and 1842 under engineer John Bloomfield Jervis, establishing the first substantial water supply system for New York City. A severe winter storm in 1841 destroyed much of the initial work and prompted significant design modifications.

The National Register of Historic Places recognizes this engineering achievement for its role in reducing disease outbreaks in 19th-century New York City.

The site is accessible through hiking trails in Croton Gorge Park, where visitors can walk along the water and explore different path options. Visit during dry weather when the trails are safest and most enjoyable to navigate.

The engineer's original vision changed during construction as new understanding of water force and erosion informed modifications to the design. These adaptations made it a template for subsequent dam projects across the United States.

Location: Yorktown

Architects: John Bloomfield Jervis

GPS coordinates: 41.23333,-73.80056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53