History of Rockaway
Rockaway has long been sought after as a peaceful place of refuge to escape the busy streets of New York City. In 1833 the cornerstone of the Marine Pavilion, a world class hotel, was laid down marking an era of development in the Rockaway area that has not been matched. Hotels would soon line the beachside, train lines were installed, and a special ferry line was put in place by New York City to transport people from Manhattan out to the sandy shores of Rockaway.
On old Long Island's sea-girt shore
Many an hour I've whiled away
In listening to the breakers roar,
That wash the beach at Rockaway
Transfixed I've stood while Nature's lyre
In one harmonious concert broke
And, catching its Promethean fire,
My inmost soul to rapture woke.