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Dalton News

Inwood - A Living Piece of Old New York

10/24/2012

Building upon their second grade study of New York and acting as a gateway to the third grade study of Native Americans all third grade classes visit Inwood Hill Park in Northern Manhattan. Inwood Hill Park is a living piece of old New York. Evidence of its prehistoric roots exists as dramatic caves, valleys, and ridges left as the result of shifting glaciers. Evidence of its uninhabited state afterward remains as its forest and salt marsh (the last natural one in Manhattan).

Human activity has been present in Inwood Hill Park from prehistoric times. Through the 17th century, Native Americans known as the Lenape inhabited the area. There is evidence of a main encampment along the eastern edge of the park. The Lenape relied on both the Hudson and Harlem Rivers as sources for food. Artifacts and the remains of old campfires were found in Inwood’s rock shelters, suggesting their use for shelter and temporary living quarters.

In the 1800s much of present-day Inwood Hill Park contained country homes and philanthropic institutions. There was a charity house for women, and a free public library (later the Dyckman Institute) was formed. The Straus family (who owned Macy’s) enjoyed a country estate in Inwood; its foundation is still present. Isidor and Ida Straus lost their lives on the S.S. Titanic’s maiden voyage. The Department of Parks bought land for the park in 1916.

Third grade students visit Inwood Park accompanied by Dr. Neil Goldberg, Dalton's Archaeolgist in Residence. Students walk the trails, climb into the rock shelters, observe nature, and learn about "Old New York".

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