Van Cortlandt Park's land is a result of millions of years of geologic activity. Its steep ridges are evident of a mountain chain that held formations as tall as Mount Everest. These were broken down by erosion and glacial movements. Flooding led to plains such as the Parade Ground, which was the land's only farmable area.

Weckquaesgeek Indians, attracted by the Tibbetts Brook valley's fertile land, sited a village where the Parade Ground is today. In 1639, they sold much of what is now the park to the Dutch West India Company, which in turn sold it to Holland native Adriaen Van der Donck in 1646. When Van der Donck died in 1655, the Indians attacked, forcing the settlers to New Amsterdam.

In 1693, Frederick Philipse, a wealthy English merchant, bought the property from Van der Donck's widow. In 1699, he sold a tract of land that is now part of the park to his new son-in-law and future Mayor of New York, Jacobus Van Cortlandt. Soon after, Van Cortlandt dammed Tibbetts Brook to power mills, creating Van Cortlandt Lake. In 1748, Jacobus' son, Frederick, built the Van Cortlandt Mansion. The Van Cortlandts lived on and farmed the land through the 1880's.

The 19th century brought projects to the estate that were indicative of the city's growth. These included aqueducts and railroad lines.

New York City took title to Van Cortlandt Park's land on December 12, 1888. It subsequently developed some sections, added play areas, made wild areas passable, and upgraded existing features. Through the years, however, park planners have managed to preserve much of its natural splendor.

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