Pepacton Reservoir ~ Shavertown, NY

Construction of the Pepacton Reservoir began in 1947 and was completed in 1955. It flooded four communities – Arena, Pepacton, Shavertown and Union Grove – and displaced 974 people. The city acquired more than 13,000 acres, including cemeteries from which 2,371 bodies were removed to be re-interred elsewhere.

Removals from the following cemeteries took place in 1953 and 1954. Arena (old), Arena (new), Cat Hollow, Conklin, Edget, Flynn, J.R. Shaver, K.E. Davis Burying Ground, Shaver, Shavertown, Union Grove and Weaver Buring Ground. Thanks to Edward J. Stanton, ACE Manager, Office of Claims, a compilation of reinternments may be found by clicking HERE.



Beneath Pepacton Waters by Alice H. Jacobson (Book Inscription)

"In memory of the most scenic and enchanting valley along the East Branch of the Delaware river and all who lived there. It once was a very busy valley but now many memories lie forever in repose from the great power of eminent domain under the peaceful waters of the great Pepacton reservoir."

"The reservoir - when filled - is truly very pretty, but the warmth, charm and enchantment of the East Branch of the Delaware river surrounded by the beautiful farms with fertile river flats and the four villages Pepacton, Shavertown, Union Gove and Arena - were truly unique and they should never be forgotten.


I have written only a few of many memories of Shavertown and its three sister villages and the farm where I lived for the first eighteen years of my life which was situated along the East Branch of the Delaware river one mile below Shavertown and some of the events which took place over a period of many years which eventually destroyed the lush green valley and four friendly villages.


Although we can never bring back the beautiful lush green valley it is my most sincere hope that this story will help preserve the memories and if this story should inspire others to write, my efforts would be most worthwhile."