17 



Here arc still to be seen in almost their original condition and 

 with much of their original surroundings the several phases of its 

 existence, the massive rocks and bluffs of its geologic formation, 

 the noble forest trees, sprung from the roots of those cut down 

 by tlie British garrison in the Revolution, the marsh fringed 

 waters of the placid Harlem, the extensive shell heaps, and even 

 thi' cave dwelling of the aboriginal inhabitants, the Algonquin and 

 the Iroquois, the salt meadows and the boulder fences of the 

 Dutch pioneers of civilization, the ruins of some of those sturdy 

 farmers' dwellings, the complete and handsome colonial mansion 

 of Colonel Roger Morris, the earthworks of the forts, over which 

 surged the forces of the patriots and their opponents in \~~^ and 

 even the burying places of the dead of that great struggle. These 

 and many spots and vistas of rare scenic beauty afford to Man- 

 hattan an opportunity of the preservation of public spaces, replete 

 with her own historic associations, possessed to the same degree 

 by no other section of our great metropolis. 



It should then be a matter of interest to the citizens of all the 

 boroughs, and especially to those of the Bronx, who have ex- 

 hibited so much civic interest and pride in the establishment of the 

 great chain of public parks which beautify their section, to learn 

 something of the romantic associations attached to Washington 

 Heights, and to roam in spirit, by the aid of the lantern slide, over 

 the picturesque hills and dales of Upper-Manhattan. 



At the lower or southern end we first visit the home of Alex- 

 ander Hamilton, the house built by that great patriot, on an estate 

 selected, no doubt, as much for its association with his services 

 as a soldier on these Heights, as for its commanding, healthful and 

 scenic position. 



The old thirteen trees, said to have been planted by his hands, 

 are dead, and his old home ruined, but very recently the authori- 

 ties have decided on the creation of the original site as a small 

 park, and ere long the old home may he restored to its original 

 position. 



Passing over the faint traces of earthworks at 147th. 153d. and 

 161st streets we come to the fine colonial mansion of the Roger 

 Morris family. Washington's headquarters in 1770, and later the 

 home of the well-known Jumel family, this also being, fortunately, 

 preserved to the use of the public as a park. 



The beautiful Fort Washington Park, on the Hudson side, 

 fortunately embraces in its area two interesting fortifications, and 

 the site of the great efforts made by the Americans to block the 

 passage of the Hudson in '76. Fort Washington itself still 



