[5][2][6][7] At its peak the park had extended nearly 150 acres, but declined in the 1900s along with the temperance movement, with much of the land sold to non-movement members.

[6][7] The area of Prohibition Park and modern Westerleigh began as part of the 5,100 acres estate of Thomas Dongan, Colonial Governor of New York under British rule, purchased in 1683.

The party intended on founding a reclusive summer retreat in response to apparent widespread crime and blight in the city attributed to alcohol consumption.

[2] The park consisted of campground, a picnic grove, tennis courts, ball fields, horse stables and other recreational facilities.

[5][2][7] The Westerleigh Collegiate Association, a private school which offered education from Kindergarten to college, opened in 1895.