8. The Historical Path of New York City’s Drinking Water Runs through Van Cortlandt Park
The Old Croton Aqueduct used to run through Van Cortlandt Park until the New Croton Aqueduct was built to replace it in 1893. The Old Croton Aqueduct served New York City from 1842 to 1897. It brought water from the Croton River in Westchester County down to reservoirs in what is now Central Park and Bryant Park. Today, a walking trail through the park follows the route of the old aqueduct, with some remaining features still intact.