THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 703 



In the south-east corner of Yorktown, is situated the great dam of 

 the Croton Acqueduct, one of the most important and extensive works 

 ever undertaken in this country. " The dam across the Croton is placed 

 where the river enters between the hills, after having passed for Several 

 miles through a more level country. The hill on the south side is com- 

 posed of solid rock." a The dam itself is not of great length, but is 

 one of the most ingenious works of substantial masonry any where to 

 be found. The highest point of the structure is rather more than fifty feet 

 above the natural bed of the Croton. By this elevation, the water is 

 thrown back more than six miles, forming a beautiful lake of several 

 hundred acres, containing about 100,000,000 gallons for each foot in 

 depth for the surface. The water is drawn into the acqueduct by means 

 of a tunnel cut into the rock, which constitutes the hill on the south 

 side. At distances of one mile, a circular hollow tower is erected over 

 the acqueduct, for the purpose of ventilation, these being composed of 

 white marble, produce a very pretty effect. Every three miles is an 

 apparatus for drawing off the water in case any internal repairs should 

 be necessary, &c. b 



The whole quantity of land which the Water Commissioners have been 

 compelled to buy on the forty miles of the works, amount to nine hun- 

 dred acres, and the average price has been nearly five hundred dollars 

 per acre. 



The great bend of the Croton, west of Pine's Bridge, was denomina- 

 ted by the aborigines Keweghtegnack. Croton lake, bordered by mead- 

 ows and high hills, presents a lovely and interesting scene to the eye of 

 the beholder. The following lines, suggested by a visit to the lake, are 

 from the Hudson River Chronicle : — 



TO CROTON LAKE. 



How mildly beams the moon's pale light, 



As o'er thy breast we gaily glide ; 

 Her silvery lustre charms the night, 



As swift we float along the tide. 

 Unruffled calm thy bosom lies, 



Save where the oars the stillness break ; 

 Nor do the breezes dare to rise, 



To mar thy beauty, Croton Lake. 



a Disturnell's Gazetteer of N. Y. 

 b Disturnell's Gazetteer of N. Y. 

 c Ibid. 



