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 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 at
French Woods.
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 fall 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". French Woods Golf Course & Country Club is located 8
miles from Hancock on on this historic and beautiful Route 97.
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Spring
finds golfers converging from all parts of the world to play at
The French Woods Golf & Country Club. The public course offers
panoramic views and 18 challenging holes carved out of the
Catskill Mountains.
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 (left), 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 cross country skiers
that enjoy the French Woods trails as well as 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. |