Highbridge Park Walking Tour

Wednesday June 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Did you know that the High Bridge is New York City’s oldest bridge? Built in 1848 as part of the original Croton Aqueduct, it carried water over the Harlem River from the Bronx into Manhattan. It is located on 173rd Street in Highbridge Park. The park itself is unique. It was acquired in parcels between 1867 and 1960 and does not have an overall design created by one person or firm. And while it is one of the least explored parks in the city it has some of the best views of the Harlem Valley and the Bronx.

Join us as Sidney Horenstein, educator emeritus AMNH, leads a walk of the Highbridge Park highlighting its history, geology and botany.

“The Parks Department, together with the New York City Department of Design and Construction and a team of consultants led by Lichtenstein Consulting Engineers, P.C., have completed the design for restoration of the High Bridge. Bridge construction is anticipated to start in Spring 2012.”  From the NYC Parks Department Website

“Before very long, the High Bridge will become linked to the new parks being built on both sides of the river. Seated at the center of all of these recreational attractions, the High Bridge will benefit from increased numbers of visitors and encourage residents from nearby and far away to explore the new, revived river’s edge.” From the NYC Parks Department Website

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Diary of Catherine Havens, 10 years old, from 1849; description of water & High Bridge
Fort George Amusement Park and Fort Wendell Amusement Park

Photos of the High Bridge from the Municipal Archives

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