Highland Falls in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
John Burroughs
April 3, 1837 – March 29, 1921
Erected 1932 by New York State Education Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Environment. A significant historical date for this entry is March 29, 1883.
Location. 41° 22.125′ N, 73° 57.956′ W. Marker is in Highland Falls, New York, in Orange County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (New York State Route 218) and Veterans Way, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Located in Highland Falls Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Highland Falls NY 10928, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Highlands World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Highlands War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Highland Falls World War II Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Highlands Korea & Vietnam Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Iranian Hostage Reunion (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Road (within shouting distance of this marker); War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 100th Anniversary of Highland Falls (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highland Falls.
Also see . . .
1. Information about John Burroughs from the Catskill Archive. (Submitted on February 17, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. John Burroughs Association. (Submitted on February 17, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. A Day with John Burroughs. 1919 eight minute silent film. From the American Museum of Natural History Library, Special Collections. Recorded in 1919, this film documents a day in the life of great naturalist John Burroughs, during which he receives three young visitors. Recorded in prizma color. (Submitted on March 21, 2020.)
Additional commentary.
1. “Waiting” by John Burroughs
Serene, I fold my hands and wait,
Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea;
I rave no more ’gainst time or fate,
For, lo! my own shall come to me.
I stay my haste, I make delays,
For what avails this eager pace?
I stand amid the eternal ways,
And what is mine shall know my face.
Asleep, awake, by night or day,
The friends I seek are seeking me;
No wind can drive my bark astray,
Nor change the tide of destiny.
What matter if I stand alone?
I wait with joy the coming years;
My heart shall reap where it hath sown,
And garner up its fruit of tears.
The waters know their own and draw
The brook that springs in yonder height;
So flows the good with equal law
Unto the soul of pure delight.
The stars come nightly to the sky;
The tidal wave unto the sea;
Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,
Can keep my own away from me.
— Submitted March 21, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 890 times since then and 18 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week March 22, 2020. Photos: 1. submitted on February 17, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on March 21, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on February 17, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on June 26, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.