After decades of being closed off to the public, the High Bridge Water Tower is finally open, and Untapped New York has partnered with NYC Parks to bring you on a special-access experience inside. This Ranger-led tour will bring you inside one of the city’s most stunning architectural marvels from the 1870s. The tower stands 200 feet above the bluffs of Washington Heights and has some of the stunning and unique views of the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to step inside history.
On April 1st and 6th, go inside the 150-year-old tower which has spent most of its life closed to the public. Enjoy stunning views of Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and New Jersey from a window 360-degree lantern top. Learn the history of this amazing piece of late 19th-century architecture and experience remnants of the tower’s life both as a water tank and a beloved bell carillon for Upper Manhattan. This event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. If you’re not an insider, become a member now (the code JOINUS to get one month free).
Inside the High Bridge Tower Tour
The High Bridge Tower turns 150 years old this year, built originally to bring clean drinking water from the Croton Reservoir to Upper Manhattan, The 200-foot-tall octagonal tower was originally constructed to bring water service to the highest points in northern Manhattan. Water from the Croton Aqueduct started flowing in the lower and middle sections of the island in 1842, and the High Bridge was completed in 1848 to carry the aqueduct across the Harlem River. It brought water from the Croton River in Westchester County to Upper Manhattan via two 36-inch pipes inside the bridge. The city constructed the nearby High Service Water Works near the High Bridge, which included a reservoir which opened in 1870. The reservoir has since been replaced by the Highbridge Park pool.
The High Bridge Water Tower’s observation level originally housed a 47,000-gallon tank, which stood at 336 feet high. The tower operated until December 15, 1949, with the construction of a new electric-powered pumping station on Amsterdam Avenue. Robert Moses was responsible for saving the structure from destruction.
In 1958, a five-octave electronic carillon was installed in the belfry of the tower. The carillon was a set of bells in the tower that were controlled by a keyboard. When it was first installed, the carillon had a daily schedule during which it would chime for 10 to 15 minutes at noon and three to five minutes all other times. On Monday through Friday, it would chime at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, it chimed at noon and 6 p.m.
On July 12, 1967, the Highbridge Water Tower was named a New York City landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. More than three years later in November of 1970, the High Bridge Aqueduct and Pedestrian Walkway was named a New York City landmark.
Please join us for this exciting event inside the High Bridge Water tower on April 1st and 6th! The event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. If you’re not an insider, become a member now (and use the code JOINUS to get one month free).
Inside the High Bridge Tower Tour
Next, check out the Top 10 Secrets of High Bridge and 150 Years of History of the Highbridge Tower!