Albert Smiley

Albert Smiley was a prominent hotelier and conservationist who played a significant role in the development of the Hudson River Valley and the Shawangunk Mountains. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Mohonk Mountain House, a renowned resort in New Paltz, New York, which was frequented by notable individuals such as Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Andrew Carnegie. Smiley's work was also influenced by his interactions with other prominent figures of the time, including John Burroughs, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. His conservation efforts were aligned with the goals of organizations such as the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society.

● Early Life and Education

Albert Smiley was born in 1828 in Mohonk Lake, New York, to a family of Quakers. He was educated at the Haverford College in Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong interest in natural history and conservation. Smiley's early life was also influenced by his interactions with notable individuals such as Asa Gray, a prominent botanist at Harvard University, and Louis Agassiz, a renowned zoologist at Harvard University. He was also familiar with the work of John James Audubon, a celebrated ornithologist and naturalist, and George Perkins Marsh, a pioneering conservationist and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Italy.

● Career

Smiley's career as a hotelier began in the 1860s, when he and his twin brother, Alfred Smiley, purchased the Mohonk Lake property and established the Mohonk Mountain House. The resort quickly gained popularity, attracting visitors from across the United States, including notable individuals such as Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, and Jane Addams. Smiley's work at the Mohonk Mountain House was also influenced by his interactions with other prominent hoteliers, including Henry Flagler, who developed the Florida East Coast Railway, and Stephen Mather, who later became the first Director of the National Park Service. Smiley was also involved in various conservation efforts, working closely with organizations such as the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and the New York State Conservation Commission.

● Mohonk Mountain House

The Mohonk Mountain House was a groundbreaking resort that offered a unique blend of natural beauty, recreation, and intellectual stimulation. Smiley's vision for the resort was influenced by his interactions with notable individuals such as Frederick Law Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect who designed Central Park and the Biltmore Estate, and Calvin Coolidge, who later became the 30th President of the United States. The resort featured a range of amenities, including hiking trails, golf courses, and conference facilities, which made it an attractive destination for business leaders, politicians, and intellectuals. Smiley's work at the Mohonk Mountain House was also recognized by organizations such as the American Hotel and Lodging Association and the National Recreation and Park Association.

● Conservation Efforts

Smiley's conservation efforts were focused on protecting the natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley and the Shawangunk Mountains. He worked closely with organizations such as the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, and the National Park Service to promote conservation and sustainable development. Smiley's efforts were also influenced by his interactions with notable individuals such as Gifford Pinchot, a pioneering forester and conservationist who served as the Chief of the United States Forest Service, and John Muir, a celebrated naturalist and conservationist who founded the Sierra Club. Smiley's work was recognized by awards such as the Medal of the New York State Conservation Commission and the Award of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Smiley's personal life was marked by his strong commitment to Quakerism and his dedication to conservation and sustainable development. He was married to Eliza Phelps Smiley, and the couple had several children, including Daniel Smiley, who later became a prominent conservationist and hotelier. Smiley's legacy continues to be celebrated by organizations such as the Mohonk Preserve, the Hudson River Valley Greenway, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. His work has also been recognized by institutions such as the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution. Today, the Mohonk Mountain House remains a popular destination, attracting visitors from across the United States and around the world, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon. Category:American conservationists