Mohonk Preserve

The Mohonk Preserve dates back to 1869, when Albert Smiley, a Quaker schoolmaster bought a small house on the property that he intended to operate as a guesthouse for his family and friends. Smiley was completely taken by the natural beauty of the area that the project would eventually set the course of his life. What began as a ten-room inn, the Mountain House, would be enlarged numerous times over the years. Because of the Smileys' Quaker background, the facility hosted numerous conferences focusing on progressive issues, such as world peace, Native American affairs, and race. Over the years, the property has expanded to 7,500 acres and has been continuously operated by the Smiley family. The preserve is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1869, Alfred Smiley, a farmer and schoolmaster originally from Poughkeepsie, visited Paltz Point, just west of the Hudson River. He was immediately taken by the scenic view over Lake Mohonk, and when he discovered that the tavern on the site was for sale, he telegraphed his twin brother, Albert. The two men had shared everything in life, including the Rhode Island school where Alfred served as schoolmaster. Soon, the two men purchased the tavern and 300 surrounding acres with the intention of refurbishing it and using it as an inn for their families and close friends.

At the time of the purchase, the tavern consisted of ten rooms, but the brothers enlarged it, and it opened with space to accommodate 40 guests in 1870. Both of the Smiley brothers were Quakers, and their faith shaped the world they created at Mohonk, where signs reading "Slowly & Quietly, Please," still greet guests along the road to the main building. As Quakers, the brothers avoided excess of any kind and favored an active outdoor life. Though the term "wellness" was not yet in vogue, what the brothers envisioned for the preserve was essentially a wellness resort with a strong focus on vigorous outdoor activity.

Over the years, the brothers added on to the original structure, built and tore down other buildings, including more than 100 gazebos. Though the resort was originally intended to be used by their family and friends, word of Mohonk spread. The Smiley family hosted numerous conferences at the site, most of which were dedicated to progressive causes, including civil rights, Native American relations, and world peace. The peace conferences, in particular, helped to spread word of Mohonk, increasing its popularity.

Descendants of Alfred and Albert Smiley continue to own and operate Mohonk Preserve, which has grown to 7,500 acres. More than 5,000 acres have been set aside as a forever-wild preserve. Among the many additions over the years are an ice skating rink inside an open air pavilion, as well as an expansive spa that uses geothermal energy for heating and cooling. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Lake Mohonk Mountain House Complex, NP Gallery. Accessed October 25th 2021. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/cb9eeb91-a866-4898-931e-1369e0d28cad.

Foderaro, Lisa . Makeover at Mohonk, New York Times . February 24th 2006. Accessed October 25th 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/24/travel/makeover-at-mohonk.html.

Zimmermann, Karl. Quaker Twin Brothers, a Magical New York Resort and Why it Mattered in Redlands, Los Angeles Times . August 3rd 2019. Accessed October 25th 2021. https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2019-08-02/mohonk-resort-new-york-redlands.

Mohonk History, Mohonk Mountain House . Accessed October 25th 2021. https://www.mohonk.com/history/mohonk-history/.