Glen Iris Estate
1870's

Exploring
Letchworth
Park
History
with
Tom Breslin & Tom Cook


Portage High Bridge
1875

Introduction
 Nestled in the heart of the Genesee Valley of Western New York is a special place called Letchworth State Park. When you visit the Park you can marvel at the natural beauty, experience fine dining at the Glen Iris, or spend the day enjoying the many recreational opportunities. But to fully appreciate this wonderful place, you have to know the Park's long and rich history. The purpose of this site is to provide a place where people can explore that history. We hope you enjoy your visit!

William Pryor Letchworth
(1823-1910)

 

 

A Short History of Letchworth State Park
An Introduction to the Park's History

If you are new to our site or Letchworth Park History,
we suggest you start with the "Short History" and
then explore the pages in the Table of Contents below!

Join us on July 7th for our Learn About Letchworth Presentation
entitled " Two Voices: The Seneca and the Creation of Letchworth Park" 
7PM at the Lower Falls Restaurant

Have you heard about our book on Letchworth Park?

Click Here to find out more!

 

Table of Contents

What's New!
 Frequent visitors to our site will find a list of recent additions! These pages are also indexed in the categories below.

Glimpses of the Past
 Our short historical essays explore various aspects of Letchworth Park History such as the lives of Mary Jemison, Mr. Letchworth and much more! You can also reach these through links in our Short History of Letchworth Park

Historic Photo Album
 Our favorite historical photographs and old images of the Park. Check back often! You can either find pictures using the index or browse our gallery!

Pieces of the Past
 Here are artifacts, documents, records, and other resources which will help you dig deeper into Letchworth Park History. Genealogists will also find sources here!

Bibliography & Other Sources of Information
 This annotated list of sources includes works we used in our research and "required" reading on Letchworth State Park!

Exploring History in the Park
 You will find suggestions here of ways in which you can explore Letchworth's past on your next visit to the Park.

Letchworth Links
 You will find a growing list of sites related to Letchworth State Park, the Genesee Valley, and important historical resources. You will also find links to the information you need if you want to visit or vacation at the Park!

F A Q's
 We have posted some Frequently Asked Questions about Letchworth Park history here!

Letchworth Park Memories
  Do you have a special memory of Letchworth State Park? Share it with us in a special project we started during the Centennial Celebration!

About us
 A little bit about the creators of this site!

Wondering how to make reservations for the Park or the Glen Iris Inn? Find out how in our FAQs!

 

Please Sign our Visitors' Register!

 

Tom Cook Tom Breslin

Have questions or comments?
You can send them to either Tom Cook or Tom Breslin
Historical questions and answers will be posted in the FAQ section!
You can also submit questions and comments through our Visitors' Register!

Remember - the BEST way to explore the history of Letchworth State Park is by going there! Be sure to visit the Museum and take part in the variety of talks and walks offered every year! Contact Letchworth Park for current information!

Exploring Letchworth Park History is the personal web site of Tom Cook & Tom Breslin. It is not affiliated with Letchworth State Park, the Genesee State Park Region, or New York State. All rights reserved by Tom Cook & Tom Breslin.

Created May 2000