Where Was Woodstock Really Held: Debunking the Myth

The term "Woodstock" has become synonymous with the iconic 1969 festival that shaped an entire generation. However, there's a common misconception regarding its actual holding place. Let's uncover the truth and explore the history behind this legendary event.

The Location of the Festival

The 1969 Woodstock festival was not held at Griffis Air Force Base in Rome, New York, as widely believed. The event took place on a dairy farm owned by Max Yasgur, located in Bethel, New York. This location is approximately 50 miles (about 80 km) away from Woodstock, another town in Upstate New York.

The Actual Site and Its History

Woodstock, NY, where Bob Dylan resided during the time of the festival, is actually 58 miles away from the site where the festival was held. The festival occurred at Yasgur's Farm, a sprawling 600-acre property situated near White Lake in Bethel, New York, which is approximately 43 miles (70 km) southwest of Woodstock, NY.

Affiliated Events and Locations

Post the original event, several anniversary concerts and festivals have been organized in different locations: 10th Anniversary Concert (1979): Held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 20th Anniversary Rock Concert ("The Forgotten Woodstock") (1989): Took place at the site of the original Woodstock concert. 25th Anniversary Music Festival (1994): Organized on Winston Farm in Saugerties, New York, about 100 miles (160 km) north of New York City. 30th Anniversary Music Festival (1999): Located in Rome, New York, approximately 100 miles (160 km) north of the original site.

Further Reading and Resources

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Woodstock Festival 1969 entry on Wikipedia and other relevant resources linked in this article.