Exploring the Hudson River Valley

We spent the last 2 days exploring some of the historical sites in the Hudson River Valley where we are staying. Both of us are slightly surprised at the size of the valley and the size of the river--it's really wide. Since the area has been settled by one group or another since the 1600's , it's no wonder that it has seen so many historically significant events.

Our first stop was Stony Point Battlefield State Park. Stony Point is a small peninsula that sticks out into the Hudson River. In 1779, this area as well as Fort Verplank across the river were held by the British. Washington had his troops slightly farther north at West Point. A plan was devised to march on Stony Point and re-take control of the river. They were successful.
The museum at the battle site was really well done. They had actual British cannons that were captured in the battle as well as many other artifacts found at the battle site.

The other feature on this peninsula is the Stony Point Lighthouse. The Hudson River has been a major route for commerce and colonization since the early 1600's. In 1825, the Erie Canal opened and the river saw a surge of commercial navigation linking New York City with America's heartland. The first of the Hudson River's 14 lighthouses, Stony Point was built in 1826 to safely guide maritime travel along the river.
The lighthouse was continually staffed and lit by several people including one woman who lived there for 52 years. It has been completely restored and although not used for navigation anymore, is lit every night.

Our next stop was the Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville. This winery produced it's first vintage in 1839. Although it has changed hands several times over the years, it never closed making it the oldest continuously operating winery in the United States. They even operated during Prohibition by selling sacramental wine.
They produce a number of wines using New York grapes. It was fun to visit and taste the product.

Next we went to New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site in Vails Gate. This is yet another one of those "George Washington slept here" places !

A year after the southern portion of the British Army surrendered to the American and French forces at Yorktown, General George Washington was with his northern army in the Hudson Valley. His troops,consisting of 7500 soldiers and 500 of their wives and children set up their final winter encampment (cantonment) here. They built some 600 huts in their little "city". The most important building was the "Temple of Virtue" seen here. It served as a chapel, courthouse , concert hall and office for the cantonment. Although the Army continued to train and drill for a possible return to the battlefield, America's Continental Congress could barely afford to feed and equip her men. George Washington mad an emotional address to his men in this building, asking them not to resign over pay issues.
The site his being restored to look much like it did in 1782. The staff dress in period clothing. They operate a blacksmith cabin and gives lectures and demonstrations on life during this period. Some of the guys dress as soldiers and this fellow gave a demonstration of musket loading and firing. Hopefully the real soldiers did not cringe and close their eye s like this guy! It really did make a loud noise.


Tomorrow we will look for more things to see in the area. Despite some rainy weather, we have kept pretty busy finding new things to see.