The Thirsty City

Who knew that the oldest bridge in New York City is Uptown?  Today Chloe, James, Kyle and I walked to 171st and Amsterdam to visit the High Bridge, which recently re-opened after being closed for over forty years.  

At the entrance to High Bridge Park we were greeted with various pieces of public art that were each interpretations of chairs or seats.

My favorite piece was this shiny, glittery creation called "Sunday in the Park With Jorge" by Christina Jorge.  The best part was the fact that the bustle of this fabulous creation was made of BBQ potato chip bags!

Next, we had to walk down a steep stairway (Chloe counted 96 stairs) to get to the bridge.   Of course we had to make room for the crazy New Yorkers running up and down the stairs with weight vests on in August.  The bridge itself is definitely not 'Uptown's Highline," but it is beautiful and definitely worth visiting.

 The High Bridge Past and Present

The High Bridge in 1900

1837 – Construction starts on a bridge that would be a part of the Croton Aqueduct, designed to bring water from the Croton River in Westchester to New York City.

1848- The High Bridge opens as a stone arch bridge with features of a Roman aqueduct.

1872- The High Bridge Water Tower is built.

1928- A steel arch is constructed to replace the stone structure.

1949- The bridge stops being used as part of the water supply.

1950’s- Complaints about bridge’s safety are voiced in The New York Times.  Some report pedestrians throwing bricks and rocks at passengers of The Circle Line as it passes underneath the bridge.

1970’s –The High Bridge is closed.

2006- The Parks Department announces a $20 million restoration project.  The project ultimately costs $62 million.

2015- Bridge re-opens to pedestrian traffic.