Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” has a rich history that spans thousands of years, from the Native American tribes that first inhabited the area to the present day. The park’s history is deeply intertwined with the life and legacy of William Pryor Letchworth, a successful businessman and philanthropist who played a crucial role in preserving the land that would become the park.
The Seneca People and the Genesee River Valley
The area that is now Letchworth State Park was once part of the homeland of the Seneca people, who called the land “Sehgahunda,” or the “Vale of the three falls.” The Middle Falls, known as “Ska-ga-dee” in the Seneca language, was believed to be so wondrous that it made the sun stop at midday. However, after the American Revolutionary War, the Seneca were largely forced out of the area, as they had been allies of the defeated British.
William Pryor Letchworth and the Preservation of the Land
In 1858, Letchworth first viewed the gorge that would become the park from a train on the nearby railroad trestle. He was so struck by the beauty of the land that he began purchasing property near the Portage Falls the following year, eventually expanding his landholdings to over 1,000 acres by 1906. Letchworth’s Glen Iris Estate, which he built on the land, became the core of what would eventually become Letchworth State Park.
Letchworth’s purchase of the land was crucial, as it halted plans to install a hydroelectric dam in the gorge that would have altered the flow of the river and diminished flows over the large waterfalls. Letchworth enlisted the services of the famous landscape artist William Webster to design winding paths, roadways, bridges, and other features that would become hallmarks of the park.
The Establishment of Letchworth State Park
In 1906, Letchworth granted the Glen Iris and the surrounding 1,000 acres to the State of New York as a public park, intending to deter commercial businesses from damaging the fragile nature of the gorge and surrounding woodlands. He further required that the land be managed by the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society.
The Park Today
Today, Letchworth State Park spans over 14,427 acres and is visited by over 644,000 people each year. The park is home to three large waterfalls, as well as the Glen Iris Inn, which was once Letchworth’s country estate house and is now a hotel overlooking the Middle Falls. The park also features a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and other recreational facilities, as well as historic sites and museums that showcase the area’s rich history.
The William Pryor Letchworth Museum
One such site is the William Pryor Letchworth Museum, which contains artifacts and information about the park, the native people that inhabited the Genesee River Valley area, and the life of William Pryor Letchworth. The museum is located across the road from the Glen Iris Inn and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Council Grounds
Another historic site within the park is the Council Grounds, which consist of two dwellings: a Revolutionary War-era Seneca Council House and a cabin that belonged to Mary Jemison, the White Woman of the Genesee. The council house was used for meetings and ceremonies by the Seneca, while Jemison’s cabin was built in 1800 and originally stood on the Gardeau Flats by the Genesee River.
The Humphrey Nature Center
In addition to these historic sites, Letchworth State Park is also home to the Humphrey Nature Center, which offers year-round environmental education opportunities for school groups, scouts, youth organizations, and the general public. The center focuses on the main topics of interest around the park, including geology, wildlife, and botany.
The Mount Morris Dam & Recreation Area
Visitors to Letchworth State Park can also explore the Mount Morris Dam & Recreation Area, a major flood control project and public park located on the Genesee River within the park. The dam is situated deep in the Genesee River Gorge and the adjoining recreation area offers a variety of recreational opportunities to the visiting public.
In conclusion, Letchworth State Park is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. From its origins as the homeland of the Seneca people to its preservation by William Pryor Letchworth and its development as a state park, the land that evolved into Letchworth State Park has a rich and fascinating history that continues to captivate visitors today.