It wasn't entirely unusual for prominent figures during the 19th century to own entire towns or business empires, and that's exactly what happened in the case of Prattsville. In what some might view as an act of arrogance, this entire town - most of it, anyway - was created by one man who could afford to do so and earned the accolades he received. It seems that nearly every town in Upstate New York has a story to tell; however, this one tells itself.
The most alluring thing about Prattsville is perhaps its most iconic landmark. The rockface, nicknamed 'New York's Mount Rushmore,' is what draws people to this small blip on the map that is Upstate.
One Man's Entire Life Carved Into A Cliffside
While the actual Mount Rushmore is a dedication to multiple historical figures in America's history, the Mount Rushmore-esque rock carving in Plattsville is a dedication to, well, one man. One man and his entire life's story, that is.
His name was Zadock Pratt, Jr., and he was a man who was seemingly gifted in every area that a businessman could possibly be gifted in. According to Atlas Obscura, he was a true Renaissance man of many talents. Among his many accomplishments, the most highly regarded were those that led him to become a U.S. Congressman, town magistrate, land developer, banker, a colonel in the New York State militia, and a veteran of the War of 1812. He also led a life as a Canadian trader in multiple provinces, as well as being the founder of Prattsville Academy. Just for good measure, Pratt also played a crucial role in creating the U.S. Bureau of Statistics. It could be said that Zadock Pratt, Jr. was a one-man-show, capable of taking on any task and finessing it with little to no challenge at all. Therefore, it's not all that surprising that when the opportunity arose for him to engrave his legend into the face of a cliff, he went forth to do it.
The story goes that a stone cutter sought out Pratt in search of financial help and, rather than handing out a handsome sum, Pratt came up with an idea. He commissioned the stone worker to carve various landmarks throughout his life's story into what is now known as Pratt Rock - AKA, 'New York's Mount Rushmore.' The project was commissioned in 1843 and took a full 28 years in order to complete. Today, the monument stands out in stark contrast to the landscape surrounding it. Upstate New York is known for its rocky mountain cliffs but this one certainly stands apart from the rest.
Details Of Pratt Rock
In the historic way that the first settlers to New England claimed Plymouth Rock and the powerful way that the lions claimed Pride Rock in Disney's The Lion King, Pratt would forever claim this cliffside as his own. Sadly, he passed on before his work was finished; however, today, the monument stands in full view from the 350-acre farm over which it looks. In the rock carving, one can see intricate details starting with Pratt and his son, a wild horse, a working arm holding a sledgehammer next to the Bureau of Statistics decree, a coat of arms-style seal, and several sentiments.
Visiting Pratt Rock
Today, visiting Pratt Rock is a fun experience for hikers and quite an unusual find for those who don't know its history. While it's not nearly the size of Mount Rushmore, it is a unique tribute to a man who practically founded the town in which it resides. The devotion of one man to his craft - or, in this case, several of them - is evident, albeit unexpected in the wild mountains of Upstate New York.
Hiking
The best way to see this monument is to hike the trails around it. While it's not an abundantly popular hike, it's one that hikers will certainly work up a sweat doing. It's recommended that visitors opt for good footwear and pay close attention to the weather conditions before heading out on the trail. This side of the rockface does get windy, so that's something to keep in mind, as well. The hike to the summit is a steady incline but it is challenging in some areas as it is steep, so that's something to keep in mind for novice hikers.
The view from the top overlooks the valley and a river in between and is well worth the effort. The cemetery that Pratt is buried in resides nearby, as well as the Zadock Pratt Museum, which are two good ways to top off this hiking tour of one man's life monument.