Long Island is the result of a large glacial movement that started in Northern Canada and ended here on Long Island. The topography of our area, rugged terrain and steep shorelines, is the result of the final boundary and subsequent melting of the glaciers. The Shelter Rock located on Shelter Rock Road was left as evidence of this event.
This rock is the largest glacial boulder on Long Island. It is about 54' x 40' x 16' in size. It weighs about 2600 tons. By the end of World War 1, it was the most photographed rock formation in the United States. Located on the John Hay Whitney property, there have been many legends told of this rock. One time known as Millstone Rock, children were told tales of Billy the Kidd's treasure being buried there. Noted archeologists have found the site of Shelter Rock to be a favorite Indian habitat many thousands of years ago. Numerous Indian arrowheads, pot shards, and other artifacts were found below the ground.
Pottery fragments found by Carlyle Smith in 1946 were classified to be part of the period 1000 and 1100 A.D. Other double ended arrowheads from pre Ceramic era indicated the Shelter Rock site is one of the oldest Indian habitation places ever found on Long Island. It's natural overhang made a perfect shelter for the Indians.
The Matinecoc Indians were located in this area at the time of the first settlements of Long Island. Where the Indians settled, woods were burned to clear land. One Matinecoc Village was located near the southern end of North Hills.
Tackapousha, the chief for all tribes on Long Island lived a few hundred feet northeast of Shelter Rock.
The 1600's brought the Dutch and English settlers to this area. Eventually the English took over. The former Indian trails served the settlers and later became modern day roadways. (Northern Blvd., Shelter Rock Road, etc.)