Council Rock (Oyster Bay, New York) facts for kids
Council Rock is a special place in Oyster Bay, New York. It's located on Lake Avenue, not far from West Main Street. Long ago, it was a meeting spot for the Matinecock people, who were Native Americans. They used it for important discussions and sacred fires. In 1672, George Fox, who started the Religious Society of Friends (also known as Quakers), even gave a speech there when he visited America.
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The Story of Council Rock
Who Was George Fox?
George Fox was an English preacher who founded the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. He had different ideas about faith than many people at the time. He traveled a lot, sharing his beliefs. Sometimes, people in charge didn't like his ideas, and he faced difficulties because of it. His travels took him across Britain, North America, and other places.
Fox's Journey to Oyster Bay
George Fox began a big trip to North America in October 1671, landing in Barbados. He then traveled north through places like Maryland. In 1672, during this journey, he made a stop in Oyster Bay. He eventually returned to England in June 1673.
Fox wrote about his visit to Oyster Bay and Long Island in his journal. This journal was published after he passed away. Here's a part of what he wrote about his time there:
Then we crossed the Sound, all very wet, and much difficulty we had to get to land, the wind being strong against us. But blessed be the Lord God of heaven and earth, and of the seas and waters, all was well. We got safe to Oyster-bay, in Long-Island, the seventh of the sixth month (1672), very early in the morning, which, they say, is about two hundred miles from Rhode-Island. At Oyster-bay we had a very large meeting... From Oyster-bay, we passed about thirty miles to Flushing, where we had a very large meeting, many hundreds of people being there; some of whom came about thirty miles to it. A glorious and heavenly meeting it was (praised be the Lord God!) and the people were much satisfied.
Important Meetings at the Rock
When George Fox was in Oyster Bay, he met with important local families at Council Rock. These families included the Wrights, Underhills, and Feekes. They gathered for Quaker meetings.
In 1939, the New York State Education Department placed a special historic marker at Council Rock. This marker helps people remember the site's history. East of Council Rock, there's a cemetery where members of families who were present that day, like the Townsends, are buried.
Some of the people who were likely at these meetings included:
- Captain John Underhill (1597-1672) and his wife Elizabeth Feake
- Henry Townsend (1626-1695)
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