If the Lenape had known the kind of bargain Dutch colonist Peter Minuit was negotiating when they exchanged the island of Manhattan for beads and trinkets, the deal never would have gone down in 1626. In fact, the Lenape had no concept of private ownership and probably saw the transaction (valuing 60 guilders, $35 or so today) as a temporary agreement rather than a true purchase. Many say it’s more likely the deal happened further south, since Inwood was still largely wilderness then, but Shorakkopoch Rock, southwest of the Inwood Hill Urban Ecology Center (Indian Road and West 218th Street), was placed to mark the spot. Shorakkopoch means either “the wading place,” “the river’s edge,” or “the place between the ridges.”
Inwood Hill Park encompasses 196 acres of wilderness, hiking trails, part of the Hudson River Bike Path, the last natural forest and salt marsh in Manhattan, along with ball fields, tennis courts and playgrounds. Carbonized food and pottery under ash in caves discovered in the park in the late 1800’s show the area’s use by Native Americans in the 17th Century. In the 17th and 18th Centuries settlers from Europe lived and worked here. Later, the area held several large estates and philanthropic institutions. Part of the foundation of the Straus family estate still lies in the park. (Isidor and Ida Straus lost their lives on the S.S. Titanic’s maiden voyage.)
The Department of Parks and Recreation has held the land since 1916. Workers during the depression helped build many of the walls and pathways throughout the park. The Inwood Hill Park Urban Ecology Center was opened in 1995, and highlights many of the park’s natural features. More recently, in 2002, the Urban Park Rangers launched a five-year bald eagle release project in the park.
In the summer, the park is filled with birthday and other family celebrations, happy kids in the playgrounds and fierce competition on the baseball fields, soccer fields and basketball courts. You can hike far enough to forget you’re in the City, and emerge by the Hudson River. Start and the Blue Bridge and walk to the Dyckman Marina. Inwood Hill is a treasure in the neighborhood and for the City.
For a few photos of our walk, click HERE.
