By Contributing Writer
The Catskill Mountains were established by the
New York Legislature to protect and preserve the mountains and the land surrounding them. The mountains contain 287,514 acres of state preserves. The Catskill Mountains and park became a preservation on April, 5, 1904.
New Tradition
In 1851, a farmer named Mark Carr cut evergreen trees from the Catskill Mountains. He loaded the evergreens on two sleds and sold them in New York City. This led to the universal tradition of Christmas trees for the holiday season.
Bears
The Catskill Mountains are the natural habitat for over 2,000 black bears, who live there.
Farmers
The Catskill Mountains are home to over 2,000 farmers who cultivate over 400,000 acres of land. The farmers also provide fresh food for the largest farmer's market in the nation.
Highest Peaks
Known as the Catskill High Peaks, there are 35 mountains that are over 3,500 feet, and 65 that reach over 3,000 feet. Slide Mountain is the Catskills' highest peak, at 4,180 feet.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Notably, Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Catskill Mountains 10 days before he was assassinated. He made a speech in the mountains on March 25, 1968.
Horses
Historically, horses were an important method of transporting goods through the steep mountainsides of the Catskills. Horses were used to carry logs, furniture, and charcoal to and from the mountainside.
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