The first public well on Manhattan Island was sunk by British soldiers some time between 1658 and 1666 and was located at present-day Bowling Green. It served the needs of British occupying forces who were in the process of seizing control of New York from the Dutch. Soon after claiming victory in 1664, the British sunk a second public well in front of the new City Hall at Pearl Street and Coenties Slip. Thirteen other wells were scattered around the British settlement by 1687 and several privately owned ones were constructed at this time, as well. Over the course of the 18th century, these simple structures, tapping into a water table less than eighty feet below ground, were the main source of drinking and bathing water for most New Yorkers.

 

Map of New York, 1730.

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