The story of Carnegie Lake is a compelling testament to the vision and perseverance of those who dreamed of creating a lasting legacy for Princeton University. The lake, which today serves as a vibrant hub for rowing, sailing, and other recreational activities, has an interesting story of its origin.

The Early Vision: Howard Russell’s Dream

In 1874, as an undergraduate at Princeton University, Howard Russell joined the Princeton Boating Club. At the time, the only available location for rowing practice was the narrow Delaware and Raritan Canal. The limited space and challenging conditions made it difficult for the university’s rowing teams to train effectively. By 1886, the university decided to cease its rowing program due to these inadequate conditions. 

Russell, however, had a vision. He dreamed of transforming the tangled swamps near the Stony Brook and Millstone River into a more suitable lake for rowing. This ambitious idea would take years to come to fruition, as Russell’s dream faced a significant delay of 16 years.

 The Role of Andrew Carnegie

In 1902, Russell’s dream took a decisive turn. During a visit to Princeton to meet with retired President Grover Cleveland, Russell discussed his vision with Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy Scottish American steel maker and philanthropist known for his support of education and public projects. Carnegie was intrigued by the idea and impressed by Russell’s passion, agreed to fund the creation of the lake—on the condition that Russell would oversee the project on Carnegie’s behalf.

There was initial uncertainty about how Carnegie would handle the lake once it was built. Would he donate it to the university, keep it for himself, or place it under the control of an independent board of trustees? Ultimately, the formation of a separate entity, the Lake Carnegie Association, which was responsible for the lake’s creation and management was an answer. By 1906, this association had taken full control of the lake.

Alexander Reading Gulick and the Formation of the Lake

Another key figure in the development of Carnegie Lake was Alexander Reading Gulick. Occasionally engaged in legal work for Carnegie, Gulick became a significant advocate for the lake project. He played a crucial role in securing land for the lake’s construction. Gulick’s family agreed to donate 19.2 acres for the project, including important clauses that allowed them to draw water from the lake for domestic and farming purposes, ensuring their family would benefit from the deal.

Throughout the fall of 1904, five separate organizations worked on the project, reflecting its complexity and scale. On July 1, 1905, Gulick succeeded Russell as Carnegie’s representative on the project after Russell had to step away due to business matters.

The Legacy of Carnegie Lake

The creation of Carnegie Lake marked a significant milestone for Princeton University. The lake provided a dedicated space for undergraduate rowing, canoeing, sailing, and fishing—activities that continue to thrive at Princeton today. Beyond its recreational value, the lake enhanced the university’s landscape, offering space for further development and contributing to the campus’s overall beauty.

The vision of Howard Russell and the support of Andrew Carnegie and Alexander Reading Gulick culminated in a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the Princeton community.