Press Release
July 31, 2020
Dan Keefe | Brian Nearing
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
Rockefeller State Park Preserve Celebrates Official Listing to the National Register of Historic Places
Preserve and 55 miles of scenic carriage roads part of new Pocantico Hills Estate National Register Historic District
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Friends of Rockefeller State Park Preserve today celebrated Rockefeller State Park Preserve's official listing to the National Register of Historic Places.
The preserve unveiled a plaque commemorating listing of the Rockefeller Pocantico Hills Estate National Register Historic District, which encompasses the preserve, 55 miles of scenic carriage roads, as well as the historic estates of the Rockefeller family.
"Rockefeller State Park Preserve honors the conservation ethic and philanthropy that made the Rockefeller family among America's greatest benefactors of public parkland," said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. "The listing on the National Register is a meaningful achievement in the preservation and continued improvement of this extraordinary Hudson Valley landscape."
Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky, Chair of the New York State Council of Parks, said, "The National Register nomination is a wonderful accomplishment that recognizes the historic and beautiful landscapes of Rockefeller State Park Preserve that so many countless walkers, runners, equestrians, birders and nature lovers have continued to enjoy for generations. Preserving and understanding the historic value of these lands will help build the future generation of stewards to care for these scenic and natural places that surrounds us."
George Gumina, President of the Friends of Rockefeller State Park Preserve, said: "We are thrilled with this designation of the Historic District that includes the Preserve and the carriage roads. Now, more than ever, preservation is key, and seeing the historic significance recognized at this level reassures us that it will always be a haven for the public. This designation is the culmination of several years of effort by New York State and the Friends and we appreciate this enormous accomplishment."
The significant landscape includes more than 55 miles of crushed stone carriage roads laid out by both John D. Rockefeller Sr. and Jr. during the first half of the 20th century. Built as a means by which the estate's scenery could be enjoyed by the Rockefeller family, much of the road system was also made available to the public at an early date. Today the public continues to enjoy access the remaining portions of this system and are popular destinations for walking, jogging, horse-riding and other passive recreation. Rockefeller State Park Preserve also includes the Rockwood Hall, which offers commanding views of the Hudson and was once the former site of William Rockefeller's impressive, historic estate.
A copy of the National Register of Historic Places listing is available here.
The National Registers are the official lists of buildings, structures, districts, landscapes, objects, and sites significant in the history, architecture, archeology and culture of New York State and the nation. There are more than 120,000 historic buildings, structures and sites throughout the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places, individually or as components of historic districts. Property owners, municipalities, and organizations from communities throughout the state helped sponsor the nominations to the New York State Board for Historic Preservation.
About NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches, which were visited by a record 77 million people in 2019. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.