Takings: A History of Land Disputes

This summer, the Old Croton Aqueduct Historic State Park opened an engaging new exhibition titled Takings: A History of Land Disputes. It traces the story of how landowners influenced the design and construction of the Aqueduct.

Historian Keith Doherty told an attentive audience that his research has uncovered new insights into local protests along the conduit’s route—protests that were sometimes ignored, to the detriment and even destruction of rural communities. Yet, at other times, these objections helped prompt changes: redesigning bridges or abutments, altering the route to avoid significant public structures, or adding culverts and ramps so farmers could cross or pass beneath the Aqueduct to transport goods to the river.

The exhibit will be on display during Keeper’s House open hours until October. Visitors are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.