Hancock
is "The Gateway To The Delaware River". The East and West branches of
the Delaware River converge at Hancock from opposing directions at the
base of Point Mountain
(pictured
below) to form the headwaters of the
Delaware River which eventually flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Atop Point
Mountain is a mausoleum that was built by Dr. Frank Woolsey in the
1940's to house his remains. The mausoleum lies empty today and is now
abandoned. Dr. Woolsey was never buried there.
The Delaware river, along with the many streams, lakes and ponds that surround Hancock are
teaming with brook and brown trout, perch, bass, bullhead and eel
providing what many call... "the best fishing in the United States." The
river also provides summer passage for canoers and rafters "running the
rapids" to Equinunk, Skinner's Falls, Fishes Eddy and points as far
south as Port Jervis and New Jersey. We will be happy to arrange a
fishing guide for your stay.
In the 1960's, New York Route 17 was designated most
scenic highway in the nation and thousands of people ventured to the
Hancock area each year to marvel at the Autumn foliage which is usually
is at its' peak around the first week of October. Autumn is closely
followed by large game hunting season in November. Hunters from as far
away as 500 miles come to Hancock to bag their trophy white tail deer.
Many Black Bear have also been taken in the Hancock area in recent
years as well as pheasant and other small game. The Spring time of the
year also yields a generous maple syrup and maple butter producing
season. Maple syrup from Hancock is shipped all over the world and
rivals the famous Vermont Syrups.
Built in
the early 1930s to link Port Jervis with the town of Hancock, Route 97,
which begins its' journey at Hancock, has been designated "the most
scenic highway in the East." Hancock is "The Gateway to The Upper Delaware Scenic
Byway". Becky's is just 2 miles from Route 97.
Spring
finds golfers converging from all parts of the world to play at
Hancock's public courses. They offer panoramic views and challenging
holes carved out of the Catskill Mountains. The Hancock Golf Course was
designed by legendary course architect, Robert Trent Jones. The French
Woods Golf & X-Ski Resort is Hancock's newest and most challenging
course.
The main industries of Hancock are timber and stone.
Hancock is home to many hardwood mills. Oak, maple, ash, cherry and
other fine hardwoods are shipped all over the world to be fashioned
into everything from book cases and chairs to baseball bats. World
famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats were made from Hancock timber
for over 85 years. The wood that made Babe Ruth's bat was carved from a
tree that grew in Hancock. "Honest" Eddie Murphy, who played on The
Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh
Pirates, was born in Hancock on October 2, 1891. In 1918 his batting
average was only 3 percentage points behind Babe Ruth. He was also the
first batter to ever face Babe Ruth when The Bambino broke in as a
pitcher. Eddie Murphy appeared in 3 World Series.
The area is also known world wide for it's Bluestone
quarries. Bluestone finds its way into everything from patios and
fireplaces to sidewalk curbs in New York City. Hancock is "The
Bluestone Capital of the World". Many New York City landmarks contain
Hancock Bluestone such as The Empire State Building and the base of The
Statue Of Liberty.
Winter brings record snowfalls, along with eager skiers
that enjoy several downhill slops located within 45 minutes of Hancock.
Snowmobilers have reclaimed the old railroad beds in the area, creating
literally hundreds of miles of trails.
Hancock
is located only 2 1/2 hours from New York City, New Jersey and 3
hours from Philadelphia, making it a perfect summer or winter vacation
retreat. Travelers and tourists alike take advantage of the dozens of
restaurants, motels and B & B's that dot the village and
surrounding local area.