Manhattan got its first supply of reliable, fresh water over a century ago in 1842 from Westchester county via the Croton Aqueduct. The High Bridge, the oldest bridge connecting two New York City boroughs (Manhattan and the Bronx), was the last link connecting the aqueduct to the reservoir in Manhattan. When it became apparent that Manhattan’s population was expanding into the upper parts of the borough and above the elevation of the original reservoir, the High Bridge Water Tower was built to pump water up to higher elevations.

By the 20th century, Manhattan’s exploding population demanded many more gallons of water, and the original aqueduct was replaced. The reservoir was turned into a public swimming pool in the 1930s, and the the water tower itself was closed and no longer used after 1949. Despite being neglected for several decades, the structure remained in relatively good condition except for a fire which destroyed its roof and carillon in the mid-1980s (at a cost of nearly $1 million, the roof and structure were later repaired).

The High Bridge was never open to vehicular traffic, but was a popular promenade for weekend walks until it was closed to pedestrians in the 1960s. Currently, an effort is underway to restore portions of the High Bridge and open it to bicycle and pedestrian traffic, possibly as soon as 2013.

The water tower’s interior no longer holds a water tank, but its beautiful, original iron staircases and piping remain to be admired.  The tower is open only by appointment or on special occasions, such as during Open House New York weekend, held each October, but the view from the top makes it well worth the visit.

Getting there:

Take the 1 train to 168th St, or the A to 175th St.  Walk east and cross through Highbridge Park to the park’s edge.  For an appointment to visit the interior of the tower, contact the New York Urban Park Rangers at 212-304-2365.