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 …