“All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River.” FDR
On September 2, 1609 the Halve Maen (Half Moon), captained by Henry Hudson, moored in New York Harbor and for 35-days he and his 16-man crew explored the region. He was seeking a northern passageway to Asia for the Dutch East India Company. During his New York explorations he claimed the area for the Dutch and sailed up the 315-mile Hudson River (Muhhekunnetuk) noting its fertility, beauty and natural resources. Hudson’s overall journey was considered a failure resulting in a mutinous crew and in 1611 he, his son and 7 crewmen were set adrift aboard a boat. Their fate remains unknown. #Iloveny
Hudson’s explorations did lead to the founding of a series of settlements from what is now Lower Manhattan, native Manna Hatta, to sites in the Hudson Valley along the river. New Netherland was basically a free-trading colony and was initially established to trade with the indigenous people. It had a tacit policy of tolerance and was open to any immigrant hoping to become upwardly mobile. The population quickly became multi-ethnic and by 1643 eighteen languages were spoken in the colony. The character of early New York was shaped by the huge influence of Dutch colonists, culture and heritage and is still visible throughout the region in names, signature architectural styles, art and early history.
The Wickquasgeck Trail was a north-south native trade route prior to European contact. The Dutch called it Gentleman’s Way (Heeren Wegh) and used it to travel the entire 14-mile length of Manhattan and beyond to Albany. The 150-mile street is the longest in the country. When the British took over they renamed it Broadway. This route is perfect for traveling through Hudson Valley, viewing breathtaking displays of fall foliage, visiting historic sites, dining at eclectic and storied locations and trekking 16-miles of Appalachian Trail.
Twelve original New York counties were created in 1683 and included Dutchess County named in honor of Mary of Modena, the Duchess of York, using an antiquated spelling of her title. Dutchess was officially established in 1713. Poughkeepsie (Upukuipising) is the Dutchess County seat and an ideal location from which to visit many of the most significant sites in the Mid-Hudson Region. Dutchesstourism.com. @DutchessTourism
James Brown was born enslaved in 1793. He escaped servitude and fled to NY. He became master gardener of the Mount Gulian homestead on the Hudson, summer home of the Verplanck family. In 1827 he began a journal that he maintained until the 1860s, detailing life in the county. During the Revolution the house was General von Steuben’s revolutionary headquarters. Tours are available and consist of the grounds and 1799 homestead. @mountgulian
Staatsburgh State Historic Site is the opulent Gilded Age mansion of the Mills family. The 1832 original 25-room American Renaissance was inherited by Ruth Livingstone Mills 1890 and was renovated as a 79-room Beaux Arts autumn residence. The tour reveals one of the most exquisite homes in the country. The mansion has its original furnishings and the views of the Catskills and Hudson River will take your breath away. parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/staatsburgh.com
The Van Wyck Homestead Museum is located on its original site, a native trading route. The homestead served as Washington’s supply depot headquarters from 1776-83 and was the scene of visits by figures such as Sam and John Adams, Hamilton and Lafayette. There are 15 marked sites on the tour including the Bicentennial Monument and an ¼ scale outdoor bread oven. The house was built in 1732 with an addition in the 1750s on 959-acres. The interior of the home features Revolutionary artifacts including early portraits and original household items. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact fishkillhistoricalsociety.org for tours.
Fishkill Dutch Reformed Church of Fishkill dates from 1716 when the congregation requested a closer church. Construction began in 1725. The small sanctuary, with a central cupola and hip roof, was built by residents and their enslaved workers. The cemetery is of interest because of the Dutch headstones.
In 1890 Frederick Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius, purchased land in Hyde Park and built a 174-ft. long and 122-ft. wide mansion and gardens as a “country retreat” for $2,250,000 for construction and furnishings. The 4-floor mansion has 74 rooms with some 17.5-foot ceilings on the first floor, imported marble, French tapestries and striking wood paneling. The mansion’s furnishings are all original including the European architectural element of a rail around Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bed. Tours should be booked in advance.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is a highlight of any Dutchess County visit. The sites connected with his life include Springwood, Val-Kill, monuments and his burial site. Tours are offered.
Springwood was FDR’s only home. Built in 1793 it was renovated in a Colonial Revival style in 1850. A highlight of the house tour is the room where FDR was born. The stone house reflects its 1941 appearance.
Eleanor Roosevelt did not get along well with her mother-in-law and as a result when FDR was away from the estate she had a retreat of her own, Val-Kill, from 1945-1962. Everything is as it was and every item reflects her interests, personality, civil rights advocacy and pursuit of international peace. Here she met world leaders and engaged in the world of diplomacy.
The lives of both Franklin and Eleanor are presented chronologically in the museum with $6-million in exhibits. The galleries are filled with artifacts, photographs, short videos and interactive exhibits. A creative display gives visitors an opportunity to lift the weight of FDR’s braces and view a video about his paralysis and a file cabinet filled with examples of Eleanor’s FBI file and the contents of her handbag are compelling. On the lower-level visitors see the highlight of the museum, Franklin’s personal car, a hand-controlled Ford Phaeton that even dispensed cigarettes. While exiting you walk through the archives for glimpses of stored artifacts.
BLACK AMERICANS, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND THE ROOSEVELTS, 1932-1962, a comprehensive overview of the topic is on view until December 31, 2024. It is not to be missed.
Hyde Park’s Cranberry's at Tilley Hall is an ideal location to dine on delicious dishes in a historic, and haunted setting and immerse yourself in Dutchess County ambiance. The restaurant has stamped tin ceilings, NY tenement building tiles and oak floors and a bonus includes 3 resident spirits. The food is outstanding and I highly recommend the pancakes and their justifiably renowned scones.
Don’t leave the county without an amble across the longest elevated pedestrian bridge, 1.28-miles long with a 212-ft. elevation above the Hudson River. This creates a very special photo op. @walkwayoverthehudson
Dutchess County is rife with additional experiences, farm tours, outdoor activities, contemporary arts and craft beverages. Pick your pleasure and make Dutchess County your destination.
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