A Croton River Disaster—197 Years Ago Today

A Croton River Disaster—197 Years Ago Today

On March 10, 1818, the Westchester Herald reported on a devastating freshet—a spring flood caused by rapid snow thaw and heavy rain—that struck the Croton River. The disaster destroyed valuable mill infrastructure owned by General Philip Van Cortlandt.

The Damage

"The rapid thaw on Saturday...attended with heavy rain, occasioned the Croton river to rise to a considerable height, and floated down ponderous shoals of ice." One merchant mill was displa

Date: Various Source: crotonhistory.org — https://crotonhistory.org/2015/03/10/a-croton-river-disaster-197-years-ago-today/ License: Used with attribution; consult crotonhistory.org for permissions