In the Spring of 1889, just as he was about to break ground on his own country house in Washington, Connecticut, the architect Ehrick Rossiter discovered that the wooded hillsides in his dramatic view to the west were slated for clear cutting. For him, there was only one thing to do.
Our Rich History
For him, there was only one thing to do. Using the construction money for the house, he bought the threatened land from the timber company and saved forever the 100 acres that now form the heart of the Steep Rock reservation. During his 36 years of ownership, Rossiter built carriage roads and small river crossings and invited his friends and fellow townspeople to enjoy the wild beauty of this section of the Shepaug River Valley. In 1925 Rossiter donated the land, which included the Steep Rock overlook, to a carefully chosen group of trustees, thus ensuring its preservation. Four years later the trustees purchased the area known as the Clam Shell, and in doing so preserved the view from Steep Rock.
With little of the fanfare that sometimes surrounds such efforts today, these ten people quietly established a public land trust long before the idea of land protection became common. Since then, many landowners have given additional tracts to the Steep Rock Association, and today Steep Rock’s holdings include over 6,000 acres.
SRA Timeline
1871
Ehrick Rossiter Graduates
Ehrick Rossiter graduates from The Gunnery, where he develops a fondness for Washington and roaming along the Shepaug River. A 235-foot curved tunnel is blasted through bedrock to make way for the planned railroad.
1872
Shepaug Valley Railroad
Shepaug Valley Railroad begins operation. Carrying passengers and freight to and from New York City, the railroad runs along the river and through a 235-foot tunnel blasted through bedrock.
1889
Rossiter Purchases 165 Acres
Rossiter Purchases 165 Acres on the forested hillside that includes the Steep Rock Summit to protect it from logging. In ensuing years, the Rossiters purchase about 360 total acres around the Summit.
1893
Holiday House is Built
Holiday House is built by philanthropist Edward I. Van Ingen as a retreat for young working women from New York City (Rossiter designed the house). The house is abandoned and taken apart in 2018.
1925
Rossiter Donates
Rossiter donates his original purchase of 165 acres, named Steep Rock, to a group of community members known as the “Trustees of Reservations” so that it is preserved.
1929
The 100-Acre Clam Shell
The 100-Acre Clam Shell owned by the Rossiters is purchased by The Trustees of Reservations for “One dollar and other valuable consideration.”
1941
Ehrick Rossiter
Ehrick Rossiter, born in 1854, distinguished architect and founder of Steep Rock, dies.
1948
Shepaug Valley Railroad
Shepaug Valley Railroad ceases operation. Rights of way on both riverbanks deeded to Steep Rock. Mary Rossiter makes a final conveyance of land. With other donations, Steep Rock Preserve totals 500 acres.
1953
Community Picnic Begins
The trustees invite 81 Steep Rock contributors to a picnic at the Clam Shell and publish the first map of the preserve and its trails, carriage roads, and campsites.
1955
The “Great Flood”
The “Great Flood” causes extensive destruction in Washington Depot. Ferry Bridge (the former Tunnel Road bridge) and the railroad truss bridge (between SR2 and Mitchell Hole) swept away. The Scout area and Clamshell were severely impacted
1961
Incorporation and Name Change
The Trustees of Reservations is formally incorporated as a land trust; and the name is changed to Steep Rock Association. Protected lands increase to 650 acres.
1962
The Washington Horse Show
The first horse show is held in the newly built Riding Ring in the meadow below the former Holiday House. Profits from the shows are donated to Steep Rock Association
1963
Hidden Valley Preserve
Jean and Adrian Van Sinderen donate 650 acres called “Hidden Valley” to Steep Rock Association. Steep Rock now protects over 1,300 acres of land.
1976-77
Hidden Valley Footbridges
A small footbridge over Bee Brook and the Hidden Valley footbridge are built across the Shepaug River by (then) forester John Marsh and Michael Alex to form a pleasant loop trail.
1976
Hidden Valley Footbridge
A small wooden footbridge over Bee Brook allows dry access to the Hidden Valley entrance just north of the Rt. 47 highway bridge.
1977
Hidden Valley Footbridge
Built across the Shepaug River, forming a pleasant loop trail. Built by (then) forester John Marsh and Michael Alex.
1982
First Conservation Easement
The McDonald family donates Steep Rock’s first conservation easement on land on Lower Church Hill Road.
1986
First Director Hired
Steep Rock Association’s first director, Caroline Norden, is hired and shares her time with Roxbury Land Trust.
1987
VISTA Published
Steep Rock’s first newsletter is published. A new Hidden Valley footbridge replaces one built in 1977 over the Shepaug River.
1991
Hauser Footbridge Constructed
A wood and cable suspension bridge is built over the Shepaug River near the railroad tunnel in Steep Rock Preserve
1997
Steep Rock Files Lawsuit
Steep Rock files lawsuit together with Roxbury Land Trust and the Towns of Washington and Roxbury against the City of Waterbury over water releases into the Shepaug River. SRA wins the case in 2005.
2000
Macricostas Preserve Purchased
A 238-acre Meeker Swamp, agricultural field, and forested hillside in New Preston is purchased with funding from the State of Connecticut, Town of Washington, and private donations and dedicated as the Macricostas Preserve in 2001.
2005
Hidden Valley Bridge Destroyed
Hidden Valley bridge destroyed in flooding. The rebuilt bridge is dedicated in memory of Major Stephen C. Reich in 2007.
2007
New Hidden Valley footbridge
New Hidden Valley footbridge, replacing the 1987 one washed away in 2005 flooding, is dedicated to the memory of Stephen C. Reich on New Year’s Day.
2009
Judea Garden Launched
Judea Garden is launched at the Macricostas Preserve in response to financial crisis. Judea Garden now produces nearly two tons of fresh vegetables for local food pantries and residents in need.
2011
Bronson Fields Purchase
The 69-acres of prime farmland and forest adjacent to Hidden Valley Preserve is acquired. One of three cornfields is converted to a pollinator meadow in 2018.
2012
Two Year Critical Habitat Study
Two Year Critical Habitat Study is launched on all preserves. Educational programs offered for the first time to the general public.
2016
Thoreau Bridge Built
Thoreau Bridge is built spanning 134 feet over the Shepaug River in Hidden Valley Preserve, the Thoreau Bridge is opened.
Steep Rock Association earns initial accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to sound management, conservation, and preservation of land for future generations.
2019
Johnson Farm Purchased
Steep Rock acquires Johnson Farm, a 52-acre tract that becomes the locus for West Mountain Preserve, which was initiated in the late 1980s.
2020
Global Pandemic
Global pandemic breaks out. With closure of indoor activities and state parks, Steep Rock Preserves are visited by many thousands of visitors seeking safe outdoor recreation. Number of visitors to preserves skyrockets putting pressure on stewardship needs.
2021
Hillside Farm Purchased
An 86-acre parcel with prime farmland soils and ample forests on Nettleton Hollow Road acquired and added to West Mountain Preserve.
Steep Rock Association moves into its permanent headquarters in the Camp-Lemmon House (ca. 1806) adjacent to Macricostas Preserve.
2022
Steep Rock Reaccredited
Steep Rock Association achieves Land Trust Alliance reaccreditation.
2023
Hidden Valley Preserve Expands
206 acres between Hidden Valley Preserve and Mt. Tom State Park that were identified as key conservation priorities 17 years earlier are purchased
2024
Isaac Camp House Restored
Restoration of the Isaac Camp House (ca 1757) is completed for use as a museum and education center focused on conservation.
Pinnacle Cliffs, a 31-acre conservation priority, is added to Macricostas Preserve
2025
Steep Rock Celebrates Centennial
Steep Rock Celebrates Centennial and now protects in perpetuity nearly 6,000 acres in Washington and surrounding communities
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Make A Difference
Your donation today helps Steep Rock Association protect and steward special places for you to learn about nature and explore the great outdoors.
