Caleb Smith State Park Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wyandanch Club Historic District
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Caleb Smith House
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jericho Tnpk. SW of jct. with Meadow Rd., Smithtown, New York |
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| Built | 1751 |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Queen Anne |
| Visitation | 100,916 (2024) |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001143 |
| Added to NRHP | August 3, 1990 |
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a special state park located in Suffolk County, New York. It's found near the north shore of Long Island in the town of Smithtown. This park is a wonderful place to explore nature and learn about history.
Before it got its current name, the park was known as Nissequogue River State Park. That name is now used for other park lands nearby. For a while, it was also simply called the Wyandanch Preserve.
Contents
Discovering Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
A Look Back at the Park's History
The land where the park now stands was once part of a large estate. This estate belonged to a man named Caleb Smith, who lived from 1724 to 1800. His family had deep roots in the area.
The main house, known as the Caleb Smith House, was built in 1753. Caleb Smith and his father, Daniel Smith II, worked on it together. Even though the house has been changed a lot over the years, parts of the original building are still there today. In the mid-1950s, the house was carefully moved to a new spot. It now sits behind the Smithtown Main Public Library.
During the 1800s, the house grew much larger with many additions. In 1888, a group called the Brooklyn Gun Club bought the property. They turned it into a special place for hunting and fishing. In 1893, they gave it the name "Wyandanch Club."
Later, in 1963, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation took over the property. This made it a public park for everyone to enjoy. The Wyandanch Club Historic District was recognized as an important historical site in 1990. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which helps protect special places across the country.
What Makes the Park Special
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve covers about 548 acres (2.22 square kilometers). It's mainly managed as a nature preserve. This means it's a protected area where plants and animals can thrive.
The park is perfect for quiet activities like hiking on trails. You can also go fishing in its waters or enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter. The park offers fun programs to help you learn about nature. There's even a nature museum with cool displays about local wildlife. You can also walk along a special nature trail to see things up close.
Two parts of the Nissequogue River flow through the park. This adds to its natural beauty and provides homes for many creatures. The historic Wyandanch Club area is also located within the park.
Images for kids
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The Caleb Smith House and Lake.
