DOVER STONE CHURCH |
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What is the Dover Stone Church?
The Dover “Stone Church” is a geological formation of metaphoric rock on the Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, located on the Taconic Ridge in the northwest corner of the Town of Dover. The formation, similar in size and shape to a church’s cathedral stained glass window has drawn tourists and naturalists to this Dover site for more than one hundred years. What is the geological and historical significance of the “Stone Church?” The site is listed on the New York State Open Space Plan as an important site to protect. It is also the first known historical reference to the Town of Dover. According to legend dating back to the 1600’s, Pequot Indian Chief Sassacas and his warriors sought refuge in the “Stone Church” to escape capture by the English Army. Stone Church Update Thanks to a 2004 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, improvements to the Dover Stone Church have been underway this summer. With the very generous donation of adjacent acreage in 2009 for permanent conservation and open space preservation, the Town utilized the donated value as required matching funds to complete the project. The improvements include the installation of granite steps and railings on steeper sections of the meadow path, construction of a wood and stone foot bridge over the Stone Church Brook, and planting of red maple trees scheduled for late September. A "Dedication of the Dover Stone Church Improvements" will be hosted by the Town of Dover, the Dutchess Land Conservancy and the Friends of Dover Stone Church on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 am. The event is free and open to the public and will include tours, refreshments, children's crafts and music. Guests and visitors are asked to park in the Dover Elementary School parking lot and begin tours at the Tabor Wing House, 3128 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. For more information or to help as a volunteer, please contact Katie Palmer-House at (845) 877-3410.
Park Rules / Safety tips Site is open dawn to dusk, weather permitting Hike at your own risk. Rough terrain, water hazards, trail and rocks may be uneven and slippery. Wear sturdy footgear. Accessible to hikers only. No motorized vehicles or bicycles allowed. Watch for ticks and venomous snakes. Stay on the designated paths and marked nature trails to respect the privacy of adjacent private property owners. No rock climbing allowed. No swimming allowed. Do not pick flowers, disturb plant life or wildlife. No alcoholic beverages, firearms, camping, or fires allowed in the park. No garbage disposal available – carry out what you bring in. Children must be supervised. Call 911 in case of emergency.
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