Exploring the Revealing Legacy of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, VT

On October 8, 2024, the last full day of our New England trip, we drove to Vermont to visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Woodstock. Unfortunately, the mansion was closed for tours, but we were able to walk the grounds around it and enjoy a beautiful fall day hike to the Pogue Pond. The trail to the pond is a moderate three-mile roundtrip due to a gradual uphill slope at its start. it eventually levels out as it crosses other trails along the way.

The vibrant colors of autumn were on full display at the pond, with leaves transforming into hues of orange, yellow, and red, creating a stunning backdrop for a leisurely stroll. I decided to walk the loop around it immersing myself in a symphony of sights and sounds.

The laughter of young runners training around the pond mingled with the whispers of tourists meandering along the trail, occasionally pausing to admire the breathtaking reflections of the colorful trees mirrored on the calm water’s surface. As I continued my walk, I noticed a group of ducks resting on branches. They occasionally flapped their wings, sending ripples across the pond, reminding me to appreciate the little things in life. This is a beautiful trail, especially on a crisp fall day when nature showcases its brilliance. I highly recommend the hike.

History of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Woodstock

Frederick Billings moved back to Vermont after making his fortune in California and purchased the Marsh family farm in Woodstock in 1869. He renovated the house and acquired more of the surrounding land, launching reforestation projects inspired by George Perkins Marsh’s conservation philosophy, as outlined in Man and Nature (1864). Marsh had grown up on the family farm, and Billings had spent his youth within sight of it. Upon Mr. Billings’ passing, his wife Julia and their three daughters carried on his environmental mission, continuing the ecological revitalization he had begun.

In 1954, Mr. Billings’ granddaughter, Mary Billings French, inherited the estate. She and her husband, Laurance Rockefeller, remained deeply committed to preserving the land’s natural beauty and historic legacy. The Rockefellers ultimately donated the property to the National Park Service to ensure its protection for future generations. It was officially opened to the public as Vermont’s only National Park on June 5, 1998.

References National Park Web Site, Man and Nature on Wikipedia