Last updated: July 16, 2024
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NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York
Geodiversity refers to the full variety of natural geologic (rocks, minerals, sediments, fossils, landforms, and physical processes) and soil resources and processes that occur in the park. A product of the Geologic Resources Inventory, the NPS Geodiversity Atlas delivers information in support of education, Geoconservation, and integrated management of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the ecosystem.
Introduction
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (SAHI) is located along Oyster Bay on northern Long Island in Nassau County, New York. Sagamore Hill was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 until his death in 1919 and served as the “Summer White House” during the Roosevelt administration. Established on July 10, 1963, SAHI protects approximately 33 hectares (83 acres) of the historic estate and its natural surroundings. Built in 1885 from a sketch made by Theodore Roosevelt himself, the Queen Anne home contains 23 rooms and almost all the furnishings are original (Anderson 2017). The great natural resource value of SAHI lies in the diverse habitat types found within and around the site, including oak–tulip forests, meadows, ponds, salt marshes, and beaches that are home to numerous flora and fauna. Visitors to SAHI are encouraged to tour Roosevelt’s home, explore the nature trail, enjoy a picnic, and explore the nearby attractions such as Oyster Bay.
Geologic Setting
As part of the Coastal Plain physiographic province, the geology of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site consists of young, relatively flat-lying, unconsolidated to partially consolidated sediments of gravel, sand, silt, and mud that are constantly reworked by dynamic coastal processes. A major portion of SAHI, including the estate grounds, is composed of Quaternary-age (~75,000–11,000 years old) Harbor Hill ground moraine deposits (unconsolidated rock and soil debris deposited by a glacier) left behind as glaciers retreated north. The easternmost portion of the historic site along Cold Spring Harbor contains marsh deposits of similar age.
Regional Geology
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site is a part of the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province and shares its geologic history and some characteristic geologic formations with a region that extends well beyond park boundaries.
The Geologic Resources Inventory produces digital geologic maps and reports for more than 270 natural resource parks. The products listed below are currently available for this park, check back often for updates as many maps, reports, and posters are still in progress.
- Scoping summaries are records of scoping meetings where NPS staff and local geologists determined the park’s geologic mapping plan and what content should be included in the report.
- Digital geologic maps include files for viewing in GIS software, a guide to using the data, and a document with ancillary map information. Newer products also include data viewable in Google Earth and online map services.
- Reports use the maps to discuss the park’s setting and significance, notable geologic features and processes, geologic resource management issues, and geologic history.
- Posters are a static view of the GIS data in PDF format. Newer posters include aerial imagery or shaded relief and other park information. They are also included with the reports.
- Projects list basic information about the program and all products available for a park.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3160. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
A NPS Soil Resources Inventory project has been completed for Sagamore Hill National Historic Site and can be found on the NPS Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3111. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
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National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas
The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on geoheritage and geodiversity resources and values within the National Park System. This information supports science-based geoconservation and interpretation in the NPS, as well as STEM education in schools, museums, and field camps. The NPS Geologic Resources Division and many parks work with National and International geoconservation communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available.