The Croton Acqueduct

Takings: A History of Land Disputes along the Croton Acqueduct

A free presentation by Keith Doherty on Thursday March 13, 2025 at Edgehill (2570 Independence Ave, Bronx).

When the Old Croton Aqueduct was built, it disrupted many longstanding working farms and estates throughout Westchester, the Bronx, and Manhattan when the State used eminent domain to acquire land. Although local landowners were powerless to stop the project, they did win several concessions, including small route diversions, the creation of tunnels and ramps for access to the river, and even the design of the glorious Highbridge to allow for river navigation. In this special lecture, historian Keith Doherty will document how the OCA affected the local landscape and how property owners in turn shaped the OCA.

Speaker Bio:

Keith Doherty is a Westchester County native who grew up along the Old Croton Aqueduct. He was a Professor of Art History for twelve years at Boston University and has in recent years been researching the infrastructure and early history of Westchester.