The Bathing Hole
The Bronx River, the only freshwater river in New York City, once played a big role in everyday life for Bronx residents. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, before public pools and modern recreation centers existed, people used the river for swimming, calling certain deep spots “bath holes.” These bath holes became popular gathering places, especially in the summer, where kids would jump off rocks, families would cool off, and young people would treat it like a social hangout.
Some well-known spots were near Bronx Park and areas around East 180th Street, where the river widened and was easier to swim in. At that time, the Bronx River was much cleaner, with clear water flowing down from Westchester, and people trusted it as a safe place to bathe. But as factories, tanneries, and city waste started being dumped into the water in the early 20th century, pollution grew so bad that swimming in the river became dangerous.
The bath holes slowly disappeared, replaced by man-made pools and beaches. Thanks to cleanup projects and community groups, parts of the Bronx River are returning to health, but its history as the Bronx’s natural swimming pool shows how much the river once meant to local life and culture.
Even today, some people still visit the Bronx River to cool off and find relief on hot summer days. For many, it’s not just about the water, but about feeling connected to a space that has long been part of the Bronx’s history. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, the river continues to serve as both a reminder of the past and a place where the community seeks moments of comfort and refreshment.
