Library Walks: the Old Croton Aqueduct in Ossining

In the 1830s, New York City took on the planning and construction of its first public water supply system, tapping the waters of the Croton River in Westchester County and delivering it via a 40-mile brick aqueduct to Manhattan. The aqueduct passes directly through the Village of Ossining, where it crosses the ravine of the Sing Sing Kill on a 70-foot tall stone masonry bridge - the upper span of the iconic Double Arches.

Join staff from the Library for an educational walking tour where we will discuss the historical context and the development of the Croton water supply, looking at some major features of its engineering, design and construction. Please meet in the lower parking lot of the Ossining Community Center at 95 Broadway. We will begin with a brief visit to the Ossining Urban Park Visitors Center to view their exhibit on the Old Croton Aqueduct, and then we will go on a walking tour of the Double Arch Bridge from above and below, culminating in a trip inside the weir chamber and the aqueduct itself! Wear good walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Unfortunately, the weir chamber is not handicap accessible. Rain or shine.