Built around the late 19th century, the Great Camps of the Adirondacks are recognized as historic landmarks in the park. Although some have been preserved and can be visited by the public, the impressive Great Camp Uncas, which was previously owned by financier J.P. Morgan, is now on the market.
Great Camp Uncas is located on Mohegan Lake, about six miles south of Raquette Lake. The complex was designed by the creator of the Great Camps style, William West Durant, and built over a three year period (1893-1895).
The Great Camps style features a wilderness-aesthetic on a grand scale. Buildings are typically constructed out of local materials and stand out for their size and intricate designs.
William West Durant, the son of railroad tycoon Dr. Thomas Clark Durant, had a passion for building growing up. In 1885, he developed the first Great Camp, Camp Pine Knot, at his father’s property on Raquette Lake.
Upon selling Camp Pine Knot, he was able to begin construction of Great Camp Uncas in 1893. Some of the main features on the 1,500-acre property included the Main Lodge, a guest house, and multiple support buildings.
The cost to build Great Camp Uncas turned out to be more than Durant could manage. Durant received a loan from his acquaintance J.P. Morgan, but he soon decided the best course of action was to sell the camp to Morgan in 1897.
Over the next half century, Great Camp Uncas was owned by Morgan’s family, who used it as a vacation home. However, when Morgan passed away in 1943, Uncas was sold to Margaret Emerson, who owned the adjoining estate.
From 1943-1975 Great Camp Uncas would continue to change hands. Howard Kirschenbaum and Barbara Glaser purchased the property in 1975, but when they divorced, the property was split between them. Now, Kirschenbaum and his family are prepared to sell their part of the Great Camp.
The beautiful and historic property for sale contains the Main Lodge, two guest cabins (Hawkeye and Chingachgook), and a boathouse. Although it requires some modern renovations, the buildings all retain the original rustic furnishings.
The asking price in 2015 was $3.25 million, but that has recently changed. To purchase Great Camp Uncas, the price is $2.7 million.
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Sources:
- 6sqft – J.P. Morgan’s 120-year-old ‘Great Camp Uncas’ in the Adirondack wilderness reduced to $2.7M
- J.P. Morgan’s Adirondack Great Camp Uncas – History
