Doodletown, New York facts for kids
Doodletown was once a small, quiet village nestled in the mountains of Rockland County, New York. Today, it is a ghost town, meaning no one lives there anymore. It is now part of Bear Mountain State Park. Many people visit Doodletown to hike, watch birds, study plants, and learn about its past.
The village is located near Jones Point and Iona Island. The first family to settle in Doodletown in the 1700s, called "June," was also the last family to leave in the 1960s.
The Story of Doodletown: A Look Back in Time
Early Days and the Name's Origin
Long ago, the Munsee Indians lived in the valley where Doodletown would later be. In 1683, a man named Stephanus Van Cortlandt bought the land from the Haverstraw Indians. Later, in 1762, Ithiel June bought 72 acres from the Tomkins family.
The name "Doodletown" comes from the Dutch word Dooddel, which means "dead valley." English settlers later added "town" to the name.
Doodletown During the Revolutionary War
Doodletown was an important crossroads during the Revolutionary War. Hundreds of British soldiers marched through the tiny settlement. They were on their way to a big battle at Fort Montgomery near Bear Mountain. The Doodletown Road was also used by troops led by General "Mad Anthony" Wayne. He used this road for a successful attack on Stony Point.
Life and Work in the Old Village
Early residents of Doodletown worked as loggers and miners. You can still see the remains of these old mines today. There were also small farms and businesses. Some people worked at the Iona Island Picnic Grove, a fun resort built after the Civil War.
Around 1900, the United States Navy bought Iona Island. They turned it into a place to store ammunition. In 1903, a large explosion happened there, and a worker from Doodletown sadly died.
Community Life and Education
In 1854, the Mountville Presbyterian Church was built. It served the families living in Doodletown. This building was also used as the village school.
In the 1890s, the famous inventor Thomas Edison bought an old iron mine in Doodletown. He wanted to test new ways to refine ore. His project did not work out, but other iron mines had been successful in the area before.
Doodletown's Peak and Its End
By the 1920s, Doodletown was at its busiest. It had a school, a church, several small businesses, and two cemeteries. About 70 homes were there, and around 350 people lived in the village. Many families had lived there for generations.
Some residents worked for the military or in tourism on nearby Iona Island. Others worked for the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. Many people from New York City also had second homes in Doodletown.
In the early 1900s, Bear Mountain began to become a park. The park started buying land from Doodletown residents around 1920. By the 1950s, most people had moved away. Many went to nearby Stony Point or Orange County.
Those who did not want to sell their land lost it by 1965. This happened through a process called eminent domain, where the government can buy private land for public use. Most of the remaining buildings were taken down or moved by the late 1960s. The roads were closed, and nature slowly took over the properties.
In the early 1970s, a dam was built on the Timp Brook, creating a pond. The last building, the stone schoolhouse, was used as a shelter for hikers. However, due to vandalism, it was torn down in 1980.
Today, Doodletown and Iona Island are important places for birds. They were named a New York State Important Bird Area in 1997.
Exploring Doodletown: Hiking and History
What You Can See Today
When you visit Doodletown today, you can still see many old foundations, stone walls, and staircases. These are the remains of the homes and buildings that once stood there. The area has many trails and old roads that you can explore.
The village's cemeteries hold graves from centuries ago and more recent times. Former residents and their families can still choose to be buried there. The park service has put up steel signs. These signs tell you which families owned each property and often show old photos of the buildings. You will also find maps and signs to help you find your way.
How to Get There and What to Watch For
The easiest way to reach Doodletown is from a small parking area on Route 9W. This is near Iona Island. From there, you follow the Cornell Mine Trail to the 1777 East Trail. This trail leads right into the heart of the old village.
You can also start your hike from the Bear Mountain Inn parking lot. Another way is from the Palisades Parkway, taking the Fawn Trail to the Bridle Path. Or you can hike from Jones Point, over Dunderberg Mountain, using the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail to the Cornell Mine trail.
When hiking in Doodletown, it is important to be careful. There are still rattlesnakes, copperheads, black snakes, and garter snakes in the area. Always stay on marked trails and watch your step.
