Shorakkopoch Rock
Inwood Hill Park
New York, NY 10034
(212) 639-9675
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwoodhillpark
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park/monuments
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shorakkopoch
Open: Sunday-Saturday 6:00am-1:00pm
My review on TripAdvisor:
Located in Inwood Hill Park and part of the NYC Parks System. The rock was dedicated on February 2, 1954 by the Peter Minuet Post #1247, American Legion.
I came across the Shorakkopoch Rock, the noted spot that Peter Minuet has been said to have bought the island of Manhattan from the Indians. No one is too sure where the spot of the ‘transaction’ took place as some feel it may have been closer to downtown by the Bowling Green, where the original Dutch settlement was located or maybe he traveled to them, we will never know. What we do know is that he said the transaction took place under a tulip tree and in this spot used to be a tulip tree that was over 220 years old before it died.
The Shorakkopoch Rock at the edge of the pathways leading into Inwood Park
The plaque on the the rock reads:
Shorakkopoch: According to legend, on this site of the rock, principal Manhattan Indian Village, Peter Minuet in 1626, purchased Manhattan Island for trinkets and beads them worth about 60 guilders. This boulder also marks the spot where a tulip tree (Liriodendron Tulipifera) grew to a height of 165 feet and a girth of 20 feet. It was until its death in 1932 at the age of 220 years old, the oldest living link with the Reckgawawang Indians, who lived here. Dedicated as part of New York City’s 300th Anniversary celebration by the Peter Minuet Post 1247 American Legion 1954.
As you stroll down the path from this spot in the park and continue along the path, you will come across Shorakkopoch Rock, a boulder marking the site where Peter Minuit bought the island of Manhattan from the native Reckgawawang Indians for about 60 guilders of trinkets and beads in 1626.
Peter Minuit buying the Island of Manhattan
https://www.thirteen.org/dutchny/interactives/manhattan-island
Peter Minuit
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Peter-Minuit
The boulder marks the spot of a giant 280-year-old 165-foot tulip tree once stood until it died in 1932. Legend has it that this is the spot of one of the greatest real estate investments took place. It is such an important part of Manhattan history that most tourists miss.
For more information on the rock, please contact the Art & Antiquities at (212) 360-8143.
Disclaimer: This information was taken form the NYC Parks Department website.
Please take time out when visiting Manhattan to see this important piece of the city’s history as the city itself was founded on this very site.
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