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 |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001143 |
| Added to NRHP | August 3, 1990 |
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a beautiful state park in Suffolk County, New York. You can find it near the north shore of Long Island, in the town of Smithtown. This park was once known as the Wyandanch Preserve. It was also called Nissequogue River State Park before getting its current name.
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Exploring Caleb Smith Park Preserve
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a special place for nature lovers. It covers about 548-acre (2.22 km2) of land. The park is mainly a nature preserve. This means it protects plants and animals in their natural home.
Fun Activities at the Park
You can enjoy many quiet activities here. These include hiking on trails and fishing in the rivers. In winter, you can even go cross-country skiing. The park also has fun programs for visitors.
Nature Museum and Trails
There is a nature museum inside the park. It has cool displays about local wildlife. You can also walk along a special nature trail. This trail helps you learn more about the plants and animals living there.
Rivers and Historic Areas
Two parts of the Nissequogue River flow through the park. The park also includes the Wyandanch Club Historic District. This area has a lot of history to explore.
History of the Preserve
The land that is now Caleb Smith State Park Preserve has a long history. It was once part of a large estate. This estate belonged to a man named Caleb Smith (1724–1800). He was the great-grandson of Richard "Bull" Smith.
The Historic Caleb Smith House
The main house was built in 1753. Caleb Smith and his father, Daniel Smith II, built it together. The house has been changed many times over the years. But much of the original building is still there. In the 1950s, the house was moved. It now sits behind the Smithtown Main Public Library.
From Estate to Sportsman's Club
During the 1800s, the house grew much larger. In 1888, a group called the Brooklyn Gun Club bought the property. They turned it into a place for hunting and fishing. In 1893, they named it the "Wyandanch Club."
Becoming a State Park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation bought the property in 1963. This is when it became a state park. The Wyandanch Club Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it is a very important historic area in the United States.
Images for kids
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The Caleb Smith House and Lake.
