Montauk County Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montauk County Park |
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Montauk County Park
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| Type | Regional park |
| Location | Montauk, New York, U.S. |
| Area | 1,157 acres (4.68 km2) |
| Operated by | Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation |
Montauk County Park is a large park in Montauk, New York. It covers about 1,157 acres (4.68 km2) of land. The park stretches from Montauk Highway north to Block Island Sound. It is next to Montauk Point State Park on its east side.
The park was created between 1971 and 1986. Suffolk County bought the land with help from local citizens. It was first named Theodore Roosevelt County Park in 1998. This was to remember Theodore Roosevelt returning from the Spanish–American War. However, in 2014, the park's name was changed back to Montauk County Park. This happened because Roosevelt did not have a strong connection to the area.
Montauk County Park has many interesting places to visit:
- Big Reed Pond – This is a special natural area.
- Montaukett Village – This was once home to the Montaukett Native American tribe. It also has a burial ground.
- Deep Hollow Ranch – This ranch started in 1658. It is the first cattle ranch in the United States.
- Third House – This old house was built in the 1700s. It was for people who looked after cattle.
- Camp Wikoff – This was a temporary camp. Theodore Roosevelt and his soldiers stayed here after the Spanish–American War.
Contents
Discover Big Reed Pond
Big Reed Pond is a very important natural spot. It was named a National Natural Landmark in 1973. This means it has special natural features. The pond is unique because it mixes fresh water with slightly salty water.
The soil here is sandy, and it rains a lot. This creates a delicate balance between fresh and saltwater. Keeping the park as open space helps protect this balance.
Explore Montaukett Village
The Montaukett tribe of Native Americans lived in this area for a long time. In the late 1600s, Chief Wyandanch gave some land to Lion Gardiner. The Montaukett people continued to live here. Later, in 1879, Arthur Bensen bought the Montauk peninsula.
You can still see parts of the old village today. There are ruins of a sweat lodge. The Pharaoh Museum is in a small cabin near Third House. It shows tools and pottery used by the Montaukett. Stephen Talkhouse, a famous Montaukett member, is buried in the cemetery. He was known for walking long distances, which inspired the Paumanok Path.
Visit Deep Hollow Ranch
Deep Hollow Ranch says it is where the American cowboy began. It started as a cattle ranch in 1658. It has been running ever since! Today, you can go horseback riding and enjoy hay rides there.
From 1990 to 1999, the ranch hosted "Back at the Ranch" concerts. These events raised money for local charities. Singer–songwriter Paul Simon, who lives nearby, helped with many of these concerts. Famous musicians played at these events, bringing many people to the ranch.
Learn About Third House
Third House was one of the first homes built on the eastern tip of Long Island. It was built in the 1700s. Two other houses, First House and Second House, were also built. These houses were for cattle keepers. They brought horses, sheep, and cattle to graze in Montauk every summer. Animals came from as far as Patchogue, which is about 70 miles (110 km) away.
First House no longer exists. Second House is now a museum. Third House is used as the main office for Deep Hollow Ranch. In 1879, Arthur Bensen bought most of the land from Napeague to Montauk Point. He wanted to develop the area into a summer resort.
Discover Camp Wikoff
Arthur Bensen's plans for a resort did not fully happen. He sold much of the land to the U.S. government. The government used it for Army, Navy, and Air Force bases.
Camp Wikoff was built on about 5,000 acres (20 km2) of land. In 1898, it was used to quarantine 29,000 soldiers. This included Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. They were kept here after the Spanish–American War. This was to stop the spread of diseases like yellow fever. The camp was named after Col. Charles A. Wikoff, a soldier who died in the war.
During World War II, parts of Camp Wikoff had large gun placements and concrete bunkers. These were for defending the New York coast. Later, during the Cold War, a big radar tower was built at the Camp Hero section. The military eventually left the camp. The land was then divided into three state parks:
- Camp Hero State Park
- Montauk Point State Park
- Shadmoor State Park
Other parts of the camp were sold for private development. Third House, which was once the headquarters for Camp Wikoff, is now the park's main office. It has an exhibit about the Spanish–American War. You can see photos and items from the war and learn about Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Camp Wikoff is open to visitors from May to October.
See also
- Hendrick van der Heul
- Hilda Lindley House
