Shavertown, New York facts for kids

Shavertown was once a small community, called a hamlet, located in Delaware County, New York. This town no longer exists today because it was covered by water when the Pepacton Reservoir was built in 1954. Shavertown had only a few hundred people living there. Most of them worked in the timber industry, which meant they cut down trees and processed wood. The Delaware and Eastern Railroad also had tracks running through the town.

What Happened to Shavertown?

Shavertown was one of several towns that had to be moved or flooded to create the Pepacton Reservoir. This reservoir was built to supply fresh drinking water to New York City. The city needed a lot of water for its growing population.

Why Was the Reservoir Built?

New York City needed more water as it grew bigger. To get enough water, the city decided to build large reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains. These reservoirs would collect water from rivers and streams. The Pepacton Reservoir was one of the last big ones built.

The Year 1954

The year 1954 was when the Pepacton Reservoir was finished. This meant that Shavertown and other nearby communities were flooded. People had to leave their homes and businesses. It was a big change for everyone who lived there.

Life in Shavertown

Before it was flooded, Shavertown was a quiet place. It was a typical small town where everyone knew each other. The main way people made a living was through the timber industry.

The Timber Industry

The forests around Shavertown were full of trees. This made timber a very important business for the town. People worked in logging, cutting down trees, and in sawmills, turning logs into lumber. This lumber was then sold and used for building.

The Delaware and Eastern Railroad

The Delaware and Eastern Railroad was important for Shavertown. It helped transport the timber and other goods in and out of the town. Railroads were a key way to move things long distances back then. They connected small towns like Shavertown to bigger cities and markets.

Shavertown Today

Today, Shavertown lies at the bottom of the Pepacton Reservoir. You cannot see any of the old buildings or streets. The reservoir now provides clean water for millions of people in New York City. The memory of Shavertown lives on in history books and local stories.