The Croton Aqueduct was opened on October 14, 1842, marking the completion of the monumental project of building the first Croton Dam and Aqueduct to deliver water to New York City. Silk ribbons with text outlining the efforts of the city to secure a safe public water supply were sold to commemorate the occasion. The celebration included a great parade, with church bells pealing and cannon salutes.

New York City’s need for water changed the landscape of Westchester County, with the forced sale of property for the project, despite the protest of many Westchester landowners. It also brought large numbers of Irish immigrants to the county, seeking work and a new home for their families. The Croton system served the city until the late 1800s, when a new dam and aqueduct became necessary.