Squirrel Lane Trail: Squirrel Lane

Squirrel Lane was a major route for travelers to and from the Estate.

NPS/Sucena

Squirrel Lane, made by “Uncle John,” provided a route between the William Floyd Estate and the Poospatuck Reservation. It is one of many roads established by enslaved people to provide the Floyds with access to the fields, ponds, and meadows throughout their estate. Along this road the Floyds situated an orchard and grazed their cattle. 

This road, and others like it, were vital corridors for the people who lived and worked here. Cabins which housed enslaved, and later free, servants were scattered through the forest between the manor house and the Poospatuck Reservation on land now developed for residential use. 

Unkechaug workers, free and enslaved Blacks, and merchants would have been common travelers along this rustic path. Laborers at the Floyd Estate engaged in a wide range of work including agriculture, animal husbandry, and domestic housework. The Unkechaug were also accomplished whalers. The Unkechaug maintained a close relationship with the estate’s enslaved and free Black laborers. They often intermarried, raised children, worshipped, ate, farmed, and celebrated together.