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Haverstraw Beach State Park facts for kids

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Haverstraw Beach State Park
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Type State park
Location Rockland County, New York
Nearest city Haverstraw, New York
Area 73 acres (0.30 km2)
Created 1911 (1911)
Operated by
Visitors 30,152 (in 2014)
Open All year

Haverstraw Beach State Park is a beautiful 73-acre (0.30 km2) state park in Rockland County, New York. It's part of the Palisades Interstate Park system. This park is connected to other cool parks like Rockland Lake State Park, Hook Mountain State Park, and Nyack Beach State Park.

A Look Back at Haverstraw Beach Park's History

This park's location has a long and interesting past. It was once known as Snedeker's Landing or Waldberg Landing.

Secret Meetings and Shipyards

A very important event happened here during the American Revolutionary War. On September 21, 1780, British Major John André met with American General Benedict Arnold. They met in secret to plan how to give up West Point. West Point was a very important fort for the American army.

Snedeker's Landing was also home to the first shipyard in Rockland County. It started in 1845. This shipyard built and fixed barges. Barges are flat-bottomed boats. They were used to carry bricks from Haverstraw's brickyards to New York City.

Protecting the Land from Quarrying

In 1911, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission bought this land. They wanted to protect it. At the time, people were quarrying, which means digging up rocks. This was harming the beautiful Hudson River Palisades cliffs nearby. Buying the land helped save these natural wonders.

What to Do at Haverstraw Beach State Park

Haverstraw Beach State Park is a peaceful place. It's not heavily developed, which means it's mostly natural.

Trails and Views

The park offers many trails. These trails are great for biking, hiking, and walking your dog. As you explore, you'll see amazing views of Haverstraw Bay. This bay is the widest part of the Hudson River. It's a perfect spot to enjoy nature and the wide-open water.

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