[1] Today more a historic place than a community, Split Rock is a site of interest to industrial archeology.

[2][3] In 1915, during World War I, Split Rock became the site of a munitions factory operated by the Semet-Solvay Company.

Large quantities of TNT and picric acid awaiting shipment were stored in magazines and warehouses across a valley from the main factory.

[citation needed] Split Rock is also known as the locale for the discovery of the American hart's tongue fern by Frederick Pursh in 1807.

Its habitat in Split Rock as well as the remains of the limestone quarry and the munitions factory are preserved as a 32-acre (13-hectare) New York State Unique Area.