Split Rock – Bronx, NY

 

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Some two years ago I realized that there was an actual Spilt Rock in Pelham Bay Park – a geological wonder.

I headed out with a friend to the Split Rock Golf Course and asked an employee if he knew where the rock was situated.

He looked confused and replied, “This is Split Rock”.

“No, not the golf course, there is an actual rock, split in half, for which the golf course is named after”, I replied.

With a shrug of his shoulders, he wished us luck.

Following a map of Pelham Bay Park, and having viewed some online maps, we had an idea where the boulder was located, so we set out to catch a glimpse.

About thirty minutes into our walk at the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary, I wanted to head back to the car. Being an amateur, nothing looked similar to the views of the maps.

My good friend was determined to keep me on course and though I was discouraged, she walked ahead, leading me to press on and distracting me with nature’s beauty – trees, geese, ducks and birds.

We hit a fence, but we remembered the fence! The fence divided the park from the thruway, and our recollection was that the rock was situated just on the other side.

Please note, due to its obscure and remote location, it is NOT recommended for anyone to head out on this expedition without permission from NYC Park’s Department.

We needed to cross the exit ramp. The small curve obstructed the view of oncoming vehicular traffic. Determined, my friend and I took turns and ran across the ramp.

Preserved on a small piece of land near the off ramp of the Hutchinson Parkway, the granite boulder is 15 feet high and 25 feet long. It was deposited on the site some 15,000 years ago.

Though a paved trail once existed from the traffic circle at Bartow to the rock, there is no direct or defined route to Split Rock.

In 1911, a bronze tablet was placed on the rock. Though it is no longer there, probably due to vandalism, it was presented by the Colonial Dames of the State of New York in honor of Anne Hutchinson. In 1643, members of the Hutchinson family were massacred during an Indian raid. Some believe, though never proven to be factual, that the youngest daughter Susanna, survived because she hid in the crevice of the Spilt Rock.

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Until there is direct access to this wonder, enjoy the photos!

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