Established by Congress on August 26, 1992, the park tells the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship. This park, a gift to the people of the United States from Laurance S. Rockefeller and Mary F. Rockefeller, embodies several generations of conservationist thought and practice, including the contributions of notable figures like George Perkins Marsh and Frederick Billings. The park mission is rooted in three core aims: to interpret the rich history of conservation in America, to preserve the iconic Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion and its surrounding landscapes, and to honor the legacies of those who shaped the environmental movement. One of the park's standout features is Mount Tom Forest, recognized as the oldest continuously managed scientific forest in the United States. Today, the park seeks to modernize the concept of conservation stewardship, exploring ways to balance natural resource conservation with the demands of the 21st century.
One Historic Estate, Two Sites, a Shared Legacy
Two sites make up the historic Billings estate: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and the Billings Farm & Museum. The Billings estate, owned across time by the Marsh, Billings, and Rockefeller families, has modeled responsible forestry and farming practices since the mid-1800s. Each family left a lasting influence on conservation and agriculture in America. Today, the National Park Service manages the Forest, while the charitable non-profit Woodstock Foundation manages the Farm. We invite you to see how we are working in partnership to practice and cultivate stewardship in the 21st century.
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