Each of the thirteen river towns of the Hudson Valley has a story to tell that will give you a brief glimpse into the past. You can see how people lived in the early days of settlement, visit historic places that you learned about in school and discover the stories of the first settlers of the area. Added to the scenic beauty of the region, a vacation in the Hudson Valley will enhance your soul and your education in indescribable ways.
The town of Peekskill played a strategic role in the Revolutionary War as the headquarters of George Washington's forces at Birdshill House. Today a plaque marks the location of the house that was taken down in 1853 to allow the progress of the building of city streets. Both the downtown core of the town and the Fort Hill neighbourhood are listed as historic sites. Much of the architecture of this area dates back to the 19th century.
Most of the historical landmarks in the Hudson Valley are open to the public year round. West Point, that training academy for the US Military, is the most visited location in the region with bus tours taking visitors to the site on a regular basis. You are not permitted to tour the facility on your own, but there are guided tours available for the cemetery and the chapels. There is also a museum on the site that is the home of the largest and most diversified collection of military memorabilia in the Western Hemisphere.
While you are in the vicinity of West Point, you can take a boat tour to Constitution Island, which was the site of a military fort during the Revolutionary War. The house and other buildings on the island are being restored at the present time and boat tours have been suspended until these renovations are complete.
A visit to Bannerman's Castle on Bannerman's Island will take you inside the replica of a Scottish fortress. It was built in the early decades of the 20th century as a safe storage site for a huge collection of weapons and ammunition owned by the Bannerman Company. It was designed to serve as a warehouse from which the storage could be sold and also as a simple residence during the summer months.
In the town of Cotlandt, you can visit the home of the famous composer Adam Copland. In addition to providing you with information and displays of artifacts telling the story of his life, this three-acre estate has become the abode of musicians looking for a quiet place where they can work on their compositions. It also features a recreation area for canoeing and kayaking.
The hand-hewn structure of Croton Dam is a serious contender for the eighth wonder of the world. It was built in 1907and offers an awe-inspiring view of cascading water. You can picnic at the base of the dam or walk the scenic Camp Smith Trail where you will have endless opportunities to take in the spectacular views and the sights of the birds and animals in their natural habitat.
Croton is the home of the Van Cortlandt Manor, which is centuries old. George Washington once stayed here on his way through the region. As you take a tour of the manor, you will see the furnishings of the past as well as the manicured historic gardens. You will also find Bethel Chapel in this river town. This chapel was built in 1780 and although it is only open on special occasions, you can visit the old graves in the cemetery at any time.
Take in an audio-visual exhibition about the building of the Croton Dam when you visit the town of Ossining. See a vast collection of artifacts, including Native American dress and a Victorian dollhouse when you visit Ossining Historical Society Museum. Start your walking tour of the town at the Jug House, the oldest building in the area or browse the quaint headstones in the nearby cemetery of Sparta.
Mt. Pleasant is the home of the Rockefeller Estate, another very popular tourist attraction in the Hudson Valley. There is a choice of tours available according to your interest level and reason for your visit. Explore a restored house a grist mill in Sleepy Hollow at the Phillipsburg Manor and explore the various attractions that bring the legend of Rip Van Winkle to life. The Lighthouse dates back to 1883 and is on the National Historic Registry. The photos and furnishings will give you a look at what life was like for the lighthouse keeper and his family in the 19th and early 20th century.
A visit to the home of Washington Irving is also a must on a historical tour of the Hudson Valley. This home is located in Tarrytown and features a home fully furnished in the furniture of the day, an icehouse and walking trails through the gardens and woodlands. The Historical Society of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow operates a museum in this town where you will see all kinds of artifacts depicting the lives of the early settlers and the Native Peoples of the region.
In Yonkers, you can't miss the Hudson River Museum with its permanent teaching exhibits. Here you will learn about the ecosystems of the river valley and how people can protect and preserve it. You will find one of the three surviving paper-mache ceilings in the country at the Philipse Manor Hall Historic Site and an exhibit that traces the history of slavery in the United States.
Walking through the streets of Hastings will take you on a walk through history in the self-guided tour of the many historic buildings in the town.
A visit to the Hudson Valley is more than just history as all of the towns have a myriad of recreational activities that will delight you and make memories that will last forever.