New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bear Den

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2025

1. Bear Den Marker

Inscription. This natural rock shelter was formed when the last glacier to retreat from this site dislodged slabs of schist and gneiss from the hillside above, causing them to tumble down the hill. Native American arrowheads and pottery more than 1,000 years old have been found here. While it is not certain that this site was used by bears as a shelter, since the New York Botanical Garden's earliest days is has always been referred to as "Bear Den."

Erected by New York Botanical Garden.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Natural Features • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 40° 51.954′ N, 73° 52.537′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in New York Botanical Garden. It is on Spicebush Trail south of Bronx Park Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 155 Spicebush Trail, Bronx NY 10458, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also

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in the American Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Measuring the Forest (a few steps from this marker); An Outdoor Classroom and Laboratory (a few steps from this marker); Thain Family Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); River Wildlife - Spicebush Overlook (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Southern Arrowwood (about 300 feet away); Old-Growth Forests: Trees of Great Age (about 400 feet away); American Elm (about 500 feet away); Forest Transects (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2025

2. Bear Den Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.