Mohonk

This fascinating local history tells the story of this landmark and the creators of the renowned mountaintop haven, beautiful Mohonk in the Shawagunk Mountains, home to the Mohonk Preserve and Mountain House.

Mohonk is a name of Native American origin first given to a lake high in the Shawangunk Mountains of Ulster County. Mohonk Lake was sculpted eons ago by the crushing weight of advancing glaciers. Nature's handiwork resulted in a crystal blue lake rimmed by stately hemlock trees and sheer conglomerate cliffs. Mohonk Mountain House was established at the lake in 1869 by Quaker twins Albert and Alfred Smiley. They and younger half-brother, Daniel Smiley, created a mountaintop haven for their guests-a 251-room hotel set on acres of woodlands and gardens. Today Daniel Smiley's descendants welcome visitors to the last of the grand Victorian hotels in the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountain region. The Mohonk Preserve was carved from lands of the Mountain House beginning in 1963 and bears witness to the vision of the Smiley family. Its mission is to protect over 6,400 acres of semi-wilderness through its education, research, and land stewardship programs. Today, it is the largest nature preserve supported by members and visitors in New York State.

The author, Robi Josephson, has worked for the Mountain House and the Mohonk Preserve. She tells the human history of this extraordinary area using 220 images collected through the generosity of the Mountain House, the Mohonk Preserve, local libraries, historical societies, and community residents. The result affirms the collaborative process at its best with those who conserve public and private archives.