Did you know the Hutchinson River stretches 10 miles? It flows through the Bronx and Westchester County. The Hutchinson River is named after Anne Hutchinson. She settled on Pelham Neck east of the river in 1642.
The Hutchinson River begins where unnamed streams meet. This is near the Scarsdale-New Rochelle boundary. The river empties into Eastchester Bay. This bay is part of Long Island Sound. The Hutchinson River watershed covers 19.4 square miles.
For centuries, the Hutchinson River has been called by many names. Native Americans called it Aquacanounck or Aqueanounck. Other names include East Chester Creek and Hutchinson’s Brook.
Much of the Hutchinson River watershed has been developed. This happened as the New York area grew. The Hutchinson River Parkway parallels much of the river. Dams created reservoirs at three points. The lower three miles of the Hutchinson River are navigable. Ships still use this part.
Sadly, the Hutchinson River faces pollution issues. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says the river is impaired. It cannot be used for drinking water or recreation. Local authorities advise against eating fish from the Hutchinson River. Remediation programs and lawsuits aim to clean up the river.
The Hutchinson River’s main stem starts in Scarsdale. It flows southwesterly, forming the boundary between Scarsdale and New Rochelle. The river winds through backyards and under streets. It passes through wooded areas. The Hutchinson River continues to flow, eventually becoming the New Rochelle and Eastchester boundary.
The Hutchinson River flows into Lake Innisfree. This is also known as Reservoir No 1. It then passes under the Hutchinson River Parkway. The river flows through Twin Lakes County Park.
Downstream from Lake Innisfree, the Hutchinson River enters Reservoir 3. It then flows out and under the parkway several times. The Hutchinson River continues through wooded parkland to Reservoir 2.
The Hutchinson River gets furthest from the parkway. It returns to cross under the road near the Pelhamdale Road exit. It then flows under New Rochelle Road. South of that bridge, it enters Mount Vernon. It then forms a boundary between Mount Vernon and Pelham.
The Hutchinson River flows to the Cross County Parkway connector. It passes under the parkway to its east side. The Hutchinson River flows under East Lincoln Avenue. It passes a footbridge before crossing under the parkway again. It turns south into Pelham Lake in Willson’s Woods Park.
At the south end of the lake, the Hutchinson River flows over a stone dam. It passes under the parkway again. The Hutchinson River then crosses under railroad tracks. It is again crossed by the parkway.
The Hutchinson River flows southeast. A pedestrian bridge crosses the river and parkway. The Hutchinson River parallels the parkway. Colonial Avenue crosses over. Pelham Manor is now on the east of the Hutchinson River.
The Hutchinson River flows under roadways. It enters an industrial area. This is the upper limit of commercial navigation. Pelham Parkway crosses on a drawbridge. The Hutchinson River flows into Mount Vernon. It crosses the city limit into the Bronx.
In the Bronx, the Hutchinson River bends southeast. Boston Road crosses over on the Eastchester Bridge. The Hutchinson River flows between an industrial area and wetlands. The parkway parallels the river. The Hutchinson River flows past Co-op City.
The Hutchinson River widens into an estuary. The parkway crosses for the last time. The Pelham Bay Bridge carries Amtrak over the Hutchinson River. The Hutchinson River widens into Eastchester Bay.
The Hutchinson River is navigable for three miles. Tugs and barges still use the Hutchinson River. Six bridges span the navigable section. These bridges carry rail and automobile traffic.
The New Rochelle Water Company dammed the Hutchinson River. This created three reservoirs. The Westchester County Park Commission purchased the reservoirs. Part of the land was used for the Hutchinson River Parkway.
Mount Vernon’s sewage outflow has polluted the Hutchinson River. This has negatively affected the fish population. A project is underway to repair the sewage collection line.
The Hutchinson River Restoration Project helps protect the river. Volunteers lead restoration efforts. The Hutchinson River Greenway offers trails for recreation. It provides a path for bikers and walkers.
So, the Hutchinson River is a complex waterway. It has a rich history and faces many challenges. Efforts continue to restore and protect this valuable resource.