Croton Dam: Black and White

The roadway atop the structure has been inaccessible by car since September 11, 2001. Because of that, many people traveling along the small winding roads on either side of the dam have little idea it exists.

That gray "splinter" resting atop the stair-step waterfall is actually an upside-down rowboat.

An unusual design allows the reservoir to empty sideways into a natural spillway.

And the spillway feeds a small creek below. A portion of the massive retaining wall can be seen to the right.

Individual gabbro stones, weighing two tons each, were transported by railway from a quarry 17 miles away.

All photos © 2016 Patrick Merrell