The Catskill Mountains are as important for their presence in American history and development as they are for their majestic beauty and ongoing popularity.
The Catskill Park, an early experiment in conservation, came into existence in 1904, when the New York State legislature created an act that provided governmental protection to the region.
The Catskill Mountains are located in the southeastern part of New York State, just west of the Hudson River, and are considered part of the Appalachian Mountains. The region is about a 90-minute drive from New York City.
The Catskill Mountains offer many venues of entertainment, such as an educational tour of Apple Pond Farming Center and horseback riding, the Zoom Flume water park, train ride tours, mountain biking, fly fishing, tours along the Shawangunk Wine Trail and the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Catskill Mountains were home to Camp Woodland, which was a summer camp program that attempted to teach children appreciation for the folk arts. The camp closed under pressure in 1962, but its intent was carried on through the works of previous attendees, like Pete Seeger.
Delaware, Greene, Ulster and Sullivan are all counties in the Catskill Mountains. Sullivan County was the site of the Woodstock Festival of 1969.
Some famous names associated with the Catskill Mountains are Washington Irving, author of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip van Winkle"; writer John Burroughs; singers Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme; actors Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (who got married in the Catskills); Vice President Nelson Rockefeller; first lady Eleanor Roosevelt; ballplayer Jackie Robinson; and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
