General Alfred Gibbs

    Commander First New York Dragoons

    Letchworth Park – Camp Portage

    Letchworth Park

    Letchworth Park, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is a beautiful and picturesque state park located in western New York, about an hour’s drive south of Rochester. The park is named after William Pryor Letchworth, a philanthropist, and conservationist who donated the land to the state in 1906.

    The park is known for its stunning scenery, with three waterfalls, the highest of which is 107 feet tall. The Genesee River runs through the park, and several hiking trails wind through the woods and along the river. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park, ride horseback, or fish in the river.

    In addition to its natural beauty, Letchworth Park is also home to several historic sites. The park includes the Glen Iris Inn, a Victorian-era mansion that serves as a bed and breakfast, and the William Pryor Letchworth Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to the park’s history.

    This is August 1898 with 187 survivors from the First New York Dragoons with the photo taken at the Council House Grounds.

    The DRAGOONS – Camp Portage and Parade Grounds

    At Letchworth State Park, the 130th N.Y. State Regiment, and of course, later 1st N.Y. Dragoons along with the 136th N.Y. State Regiment of Infantry, 1862, drilled at the parade grounds within the park.

    A historical marker erected in 1932 by New York State Education Department is a tribute to the unit. It is a significant marker for the Dragoons since it marks the location of the “grinder” where the men learned the basics of military life.

    Located at 42° 35.013′ N, 78° 1.909′ W. the marker is in Portage, New York, in Livingston County. The historical marker is located on Parade Grounds Entrance Road, half a mile north of Portage Street (New York State Route 436), on the left when traveling north. The Parade Grounds Entrance is not a thorough road. It leads to cabin areas D and E and the parade grounds. Touch for map. The marker is in this post office: Hunt, NY 14846, United States of America. Touch for directions.

    Letchworth Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually. It is a great place to spend a day or a weekend, whether you are looking to relax and take in the beautiful scenery or to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing.

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