Croton Dam, New York, United States, mid 19th century.

Lithograph by George Hayward. The rapid growth of New York City in the 19th century necesitated the construction of a network of reservoirs, dams and aqueducts to provide the city with an adequate supply of fresh water. The Croton Dam in Westchester County, New York was built acros the Croton River between 1837 and 1842. Water was transported from the reservoir behind the dam to New York City by means of a 33 mile long aqueduct, and was the main source of New York's drinking water until 1907 when it was replaced by the New Croton Dam and aqueduct