Indian Prayer Rock

Pelham Bay Park is 2764 acres, making it the largest public park in New York City.

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I have great childhood memories in Pelham Bay Park, walking trails, bird watching, horseback riding, visiting the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum and, of course, summer days at Orchard Beach.

What amazes me is how vast the land is, and how with every visit I see something I haven’t seen before.

Just recently, I participated in the Hutchinson River Clean-up hosted by the Hutchinson River Restoration Project. We canoed the river to Rose’s Beach. Three of us collected as much a garbage as we could before making our way back to the shoreline by City Island Rd and Shore Rd.

Afterward we headed to Bobby Gonzalez’ Bronx Native American Festival.

As we stood and watched and listened to the ceremonial dance and music of the indigenous, a friend, local historian Jorge Santiago began to speak to us about an Indian Prayer Rock.

Not knowing what he was talking about, I was intrigued. He quickly offered to lead us to the site, and without question, we followed.

It wasn’t long before we reached a site of a massive rock formation. It is believed that ceremonies were held here by the Siwanoy and Lenape Indians. Santiago explained that Indian artifacts have been uncovered near the site, confirming it use.

Standing over 25 feet tall, the black rocks are quite impressive.

During the 30 anniversary of the creation of the Bronx parks system, a commemorative plaque was installed at the Indian Prayer Rock. The plaque is missing, but the holes where the screws were affixed are quite visible.

There is never a dull moment when visiting Pelham Bay Park. Come on out and discover our local parks and learn some local history!

 

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