Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of individual case files documenting the acquisition and appropriation of land by New York State and the Long Island State Park Commission for the creation of state parks in Montauk and the Town of East Hampton on the South Fork of Long Island's East End. Areas covered within this series also include Hither Hills State Park, Montauk Point State Park, Camp Hero, and Montauk Downs. Additionally, there is information regarding Montauk Parkway, Napeague State Park, Gardiner's Point State Park, and the Montauk Beach Development Company.

These files contain items such as correspondence, memorandums, deeds, contracts, agreements, appraisals, land titles and abstracts, inspection records, invoices, and property surveys and blueprints. Items of note include maps of well locations related to Amagansett Water Company and material pertaining to acquisition of Hither Hills to protect the freshwater supply, forests, and endangered species in the area. There are also documents concerning appropriation of land owned by Montauk Syndicate, Inc.; and correspondence regarding Adolph Senner, the Montauk real estate broker alleged to have operated a land value inflation scheme.

The serires also contains records related to the potential establishment of Gardiner's Point State Park by the commission, following purchase of the land for fifty dollars from the United State War Department in 1924. Gardiner's Point is located near Gardiner's Island and previously served as the location of the Fort Tyler United States military installation.