New Croton Dam Construction (1892–1906)

The contract drawing for the Cornell Site reveals 'buildings, bridges and roads behind the dam which were destroyed when the valley was flooded.' Construction begins.

Workers dig 131 feet below the riverbed. Italian immigrants controlled by padrones who 'managed up to 150 workers' and kept them in permanent debt. 'A man lost his life for every stone set on the dam.'

Skilled blacksmiths run forges constantly. An October 1896 Scientific American engraving documents the excavation with 'noteworthy accuracy.'

Dormitories for 60 workers each, saloons, a chapel, a schoolhouse. 'It was a rough area. Fellas would get a few drinks, you couldn't tell what the dickens they would do.'

After NY mandates an 8-hour day, workers demand higher wages. Contractors refuse. Roosevelt establishes 'Camp Roosevelt.' The strike ends after three weeks without improvements.

A 3,200-pound stone is lowered by steam machinery. Comptroller Metz places an Irish shamrock beneath it. The reservoir begins filling.

1,168 feet across, 297 feet high, 206 feet at the base. The reservoir extends 20 miles upstream. Acclaimed internationally as the 'Croton Profile.' Little Italy vanishes.