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Historical Context

The Utica Water Works Company was incorporated in 1848. The cast iron pipes installed by this company were imported from Scotland. This company was quite successful and combined with other local water companies to form the Consolidated Water Company of Utica on November 13, 1899.

The company operated independently until 1938 when it was sold to the city of Utica.

Located in New York’s Mohawk Valley Region, Utica was founded in 1704 by Joseph Crandall, Utica was first settled in 1773 on the site of Fort Schuyler which was built in 1758 and abandoned after the French and Indian War. The city's name, said to have been picked at random from a hat, originates from the classical North African city of Utica (in present-day Tunisia.) During the American Revolution the original settlement was destroyed in an attack by Tories and Native Americans, but was rebuilt after the Revolution. Utica was incorporated as a city in 1832.

Utica's location on the Erie Canal stimulated its industrial development which was further enhanced as railroads and other canals were built. The middle section of the Erie Canal, from Utica to Salina, was in 1820 the first portion to open, and elaborate celebrations were held in the town.

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