New Exhibit about the Ashokan Reservoir

Almost 100 years ago New York City's Board of Water Supply undertook the immense task of building the Ashokan Reservoir to provide a source of drinking water to its growing population. This summer the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia is hosting a new exhibit of photographs illustrating the amazing engineering feats of men, mules and railroads that built the Ashokan Reservoir between 1906 and 1916.

By right of eminent domain 504 homes, 35 stores, 10 schools and 10 churches were taken, along with 10,000 acres of land. See photographs of the eight villages as they were before construction began. Trace some of the buildings that were removed and relocated.

Today the Ashokan Reservoir still stands strong without any major repairs to its main dam and dikes. It remains the showcase for the New York City Water System, the largest unfiltered water supply in the world serving 600 million gallons of water daily to nine million downstate customers.

The Empire State Railway Museum is located off High Street in Phoenicia, NY.
From exit 19 of the NYS Thruway (Kingston, NY)
take Rt. 28 west to Phoenicia (approximately 22 miles).

Hours: 11 AM - 4 PM weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

Other hours by appointment.
Suggested donation: $3 adult, $1 child, $5 family.
For more information, call 845-688-7501