Highlands illustrates the history of a remarkable town that commands the heights of the Hudson River, 50 miles above New York City. Once the home of Native Americans, the region was admired by the Dutch, settled by the English, and loved by the patriots who shed their blood for independence on its rocky soil. Rich iron mines, small farms, mills, and cordwood provided a livelihood in this glorious setting, bounded by forests and one of America's great rivers. Four diverse communities--Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, Bear Mountain State Park, and West Point--developed in close proximity, forming the town of Highlands. Its strategic location, at a sharp bend in the Hudson River, made Highlands the ideal site for the new U.S. Military Academy in 1802, changing its destiny forever.
Once home to Native Americans and mountain settlers, Harriman State Park is today a 73 square-mile wilderness and recreation area lying 30 miles north of New York City. Offering over 200 miles of hiking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, it has been an oasis for city dwellers for 100 years. During the 1800s, the land was home to hardworking farmers, miners, and woodcutters. As the new century dawned, it evolved into a park of stunning beauty. Part of the Palisades Interstate Park System, it is the second largest state park in New York.
Rugged in beauty and rich in history, Constitution Island lies at a picturesque bend of the Hudson River, opposite West Point and north of New York City. As the location of the first fortifications built to defend American independence, it was the anchor site of the great chain, which stretched across the Hudson to impede British passage. During the 19th century, it was the home of two extraordinary sisters, Susan and Anna Warner. Raised in wealth and comfort, they struggled with their father's economic ruin during the panic of 1837. Accomplished and resourceful, they turned to writing for a living. Susan's best-selling novel, The Wide, Wide World, made her a celebrity, while her sister Anna's hymn, "Jesus Loves Me," became known around the globe. In 1916, a devoted group of friends and admirers began a volunteer organization, the Constitution Island Association, to preserve the home, gardens, and memory of the Warner sisters and their historic island.
Rugged in beauty and rich in history, Constitution Island lies at a picturesque bend of the Hudson River, opposite West Point and north of New York City. As the location of the first fortifications built to defend American independence, it was the anchor site of the great chain, which stretched across the Hudson to impede British passage. During the 19th century, it was the home of two extraordinary sisters, Susan and Anna Warner. Raised in wealth and comfort, they struggled with their father's economic ruin during the panic of 1837. Accomplished and resourceful, they turned to writing for a living. Susan's best-selling novel, The Wide, Wide World, made her a celebrity, while her sister Anna's hymn, "Jesus Loves Me," became known around the globe. In 1916, a devoted group of friends and admirers began a volunteer organization, the Constitution Island Association, to preserve the home, gardens, and memory of the Warner sisters and their historic island.
Once home to Native Americans and mountain settlers, Harriman State Park is today a 73-square-mile wilderness and recreation area lying 30 miles north of New York City. Offering over 200 miles of hiking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, it has been an oasis for city dwellers for 100 years. During the 1800s, the land was home to hardworking farmers, miners, and woodcutters. As the new century dawned, it evolved into a park of stunning beauty. Part of the Palisades Interstate Park System, it is the second-largest state park in New York.
Bear Mountain, once home to Native Americans and early settlers, had evolved by the 20th century into one of the nations most outstanding public parks. Threatened by quarrying operations and the relocation of Sing Sing Prison, this integral section of the Hudson Highlands was saved by the combined efforts of local citizens and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. Graced by a deep, picturesque lake at the foot of the mountain and accessible by riverboat, train, and automobile, Bear Mountain State Park became a playground for New York City residents. Visionary park management enabled the park to expand, encompassing nature exhibits, a zoo, camps, and restaurants. It continues to be a year-round recreation center featuring hiking, boating, swimming, and cross-country skiing.
Highlands illustrates the history of a remarkable town that commands the heights of the Hudson River, 50 miles above New York City. Once the home of Native Americans, the region was admired by the Dutch, settled by the English, and loved by the patriots who shed their blood for independence on its rocky soil. Rich iron mines, small farms, mills, and cordwood provided a livelihood in this glorious setting, bounded by forests and one of America's great rivers. Four diverse communities--Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, Bear Mountain State Park, and West Point--developed in close proximity, forming the town of Highlands. Its strategic location, at a sharp bend in the Hudson River, made Highlands the ideal site for the new U.S. Military Academy in 1802, changing its destiny forever.
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