A Difficult History

Views from the Watershed

As New York City grew, so did its need for clean water. So city leaders decided to tap the Esopus Creek in the Catskills. The construction of the Catskills System— the Ashokan and Schoharie reservoirs and the Catskill Aqueduct— displaced thousands of people through eminent domain, uprooting tight-knit rural communities and causing generational bitterness towards the City. This episode features historian Diane Galusha, author of Liquid Assets: A History of New York City's Water System. (Episode recorded in 2021)

If you're taking this tour in person, please play this episode at the ⁠Ashokan Reservoir Promenade, East Parking Lot⁠ (the "Frying Pan"). This site is paved and is wheelchair accessible.

Please visit ⁠walkingthewatershed.com/podcasttour/listen.html⁠ to download a printed map, transcripts, accessibility info, and other important information.