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Troop 240, Bronx, N.Y. Pelham Bay Park Historical Trail "The Eagle's Nest" |
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Troop 240, Bronx, N.Y. Pelham Bay Park Historical Trail "The Eagle's Nest" |
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The Pelham Bay Park Historical Trail is a National Council recognized trail operated by Ranachqua Lodge #4, Order Of The Arrow, Bronx Council. The trail was originally constructed in the early 1990's by David Malatzky, an ASM in Troop 164. Over the years, changes in the Park's physical plant and wilderness expansion have caused the trail to become unpassible. A major renovation of the trail was undertaken by the Arrowmen of Troop 240 and Troop 164 on behalf of the Camping Promotions Committee of the Lodge. The project was headed by David Dillon, the OA Troop Representative of Troop 240.
The main historical focus of the trail is the October 18, 1776 Battle of Pell's Point between a combined British-Hessian force of 4,000 that landed at Turtle Cove under the command of General Sir William Howe, and a waiting American force of 750, including elements of the Marblehead Regiment, under the command of Colonel John Glover. The British were attempting to cut off Washington's Army that was retreating through Manhattan and the Bronx after its defeat in the Battle of Long Island. Howe sought to trap Washington forces in a pincer between his army and the British forces that were following the Revolutionaries up Manhattan. The series of holding actions staged by Col. Glover and his men along Split Rock Road allowed Washington to escape. Had Glover not succeeded, the American Revolution could well have ended in the Bronx with a very different outcome.
In addition to the Battle of Pell's Point, the trail offers many other historic, geological, and wildlife points of interest. The total trail, from the British landing site at Turtle Cove to the Colonial cemetery at St. Paul Church, which includes the graves of Hessian soldiers killed in the battle, is approximately 9 miles. The trail patch shown above is available to those who complete the trail.
The current renovation of the trail is about 75% completed, with the revision of the trail guide and the marking of the trail to follow. The current schedule calls for the trail to be open in time for the 228th Anniversary of the Battle.
Maps of the Trail:
