This chapter traces the rise of Robert Moses as a powerful force in New York during the late 1920s and early 1930s, spotlighting his ambitious parkway and park projects, the political battles that surrounded them, and the tangled relationships among the state’s top leaders. At its heart, the chapter examines how Moses’ sweeping vision for public works ran headlong into the realities of politics, entrenched privilege, and social inequality, leaving a permanent mark on both the landscape and the way New York was governed.
The story begins with Moses’ efforts to finish the Northern State Parkway after losing the unwavering support of Governor Al Smith, who was replaced by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Moses quickly found himself up against the wealthy landowners of Long Island’s North Shore, known as the “barons.” Determined to protect their sprawling estates in the Wheatley Hills, these influential figures hired lawyer Grenville Clark to fight the parkway’s proposed route. Although Roosevelt initially backed Moses, mounting political pressure and the threat of scandal—thanks to earlier deals Moses had struck with donors like Otto Kahn—forced a costly compromise. The parkway was rerouted to avoid the barons’ properties, and while the landowners paid only a fraction of the extra cost, taxpayers picked up the rest. This detour created a lasting inconvenience for commuters and denied the public access to some of Long Island’s most beautiful areas, fundamentally changing Moses’ original plan and underscoring the enduring power of the region’s elite.
The chapter goes on to show how these compromises shaped the very design and function of the Northern State Parkway. Instead of providing direct access to parks as intended, the parkway forced drivers to take long detours, a clear sign of the barons’ influence. The winding curves around Wheatley and Dix Hills stand as physical reminders of the concessions Moses made. The impact wasn’t just on the map; people like farmer James Roth suffered personal losses as a result. While the names of the landowners have faded over time, their influence is still visible in the parkway’s twists and turns.
Moses’ relationships with Governors Al Smith and Franklin D. Roosevelt are another key thread. Moses was fiercely loyal to Smith but often found himself at odds with Roosevelt, whom he distrusted for his political maneuvering. Despite their personal differences and Moses’ refusal to grant Roosevelt’s patronage requests, Roosevelt recognized how essential Moses was, signing most of his bills and even expanding his authority. Moses’ independence showed in his resistance to political job requests and his public campaign to turn Fort Schuyler into a park, directly opposing Roosevelt’s preference for a Merchant Marine Academy. In the end, Moses’ political savvy and alliances often allowed him to get his way, even when it meant defying the governor.
Moses’ mastery of government administration made him indispensable to Roosevelt, especially during legislative challenges to the executive budget system. His legal skills led to a decisive court victory that reinforced the separation of powers, while his tangible achievements—like the opening of Heckscher State Park, the Southern State Parkway, and Jones Beach—proved he could deliver on a grand scale. These projects were celebrated for their thoughtful design and attention to detail, earning Moses widespread praise and deepening Roosevelt’s reliance on his expertise.
Jones Beach, in particular, became a national model for public recreation. Its innovative architecture, cleanliness, and family-friendly atmosphere drew praise from all quarters. Moses enforced order with “Courtesy Squads” and strict anti-littering rules, and by banning commercial amusements, he created a unique environment. The beach’s popularity quickly outstripped its facilities, prompting Moses to propose further expansions and new parkways.
Moses’ ambitions didn’t stop there. He pushed for a massive expansion of the Ocean Parkway across Long Island, using political maneuvering and public support to secure land and funding. He overcame resistance from property owners and lawmakers, and the resulting parkway and related developments transformed Long Island, boosting property values and drawing millions of visitors—numbers that nearly matched the attendance of all national parks combined.
The chapter also explores the shifting dynamic between Moses and Roosevelt, showing how public works became central to political success. At first, Moses kept Roosevelt out of the spotlight at project ceremonies, but he eventually let the governor share in the credit, recognizing the political value of visible achievements. Moses’ willingness to take criticism protected elected officials, enhancing their reputations while increasing his own influence.
Yet Moses’ dominance was not without controversy. His autocratic style led to clashes with conservationists like George Torrey, whose resignation only consolidated Moses’ control. More troubling were Moses’ discriminatory policies, which limited park access for poor and Black families through transportation barriers and targeted fees. These actions sparked public outrage but did little to diminish his authority.
The chapter closes with the political fallout from Al Smith’s failed presidential run, engineered by rivals like William Randolph Hearst and ending in Smith’s quiet resignation. Moses’ lingering resentment is captured in a Shakespearean quote, highlighting the treacherous nature of politics and the personal cost of public ambition. Through these interconnected stories, the chapter reveals how Moses’ vision, political skill, and readiness to compromise—or exclude—shaped New York’s physical and social landscape for generations to come.