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 Some of the earliest Dutch settlers--eager to escape the city life of New Amsterdam (New York City)-—moved to Rockland (then part of Orange County) in the early 1600s. They farmed, hunted, fished and trapped prosperously. They cleared the land, built homes, schools and churches and erected saw mills and grist mills along the numerous creeks. General stores were opened at Haverstraw and the Tappan Slote. They also formed local government, erecting the first county courthouse in Tappan in 1691. Rockland's rich history is immortalized by the Stony Point battlefield and more than 50 historical markers in every part of the county. It is made even more real by historic churches and farms-—many in the same family since the 1600s. There are several museums starting with the 1700 DeWint House, the county’s oldest standing residence to Camp Shanks, from where more than one million GI's embarked to World War II fronts. DEWINT HOUSE Livingston St. & Oak Tree Rd., Tappan. Built in 1700, and the oldest surviving structure in Rockland County, the DeWint House—named after the family who owned it during Washington’s visits—is an outstanding example of Colonial Dutch architecture in the Hudson Valley. It served as George Washington’s temporary Headquarters at Tappan on four separate occasions during the American Revolutionary War, including the treason trial of Major Andre. Open daily 10am-4pm. 845-359-1359. www.dewinthouse.com STONY POINT BATTLEFIELD STATE HISTORIC SITE The only Revolutionary War Battlefield in Rockland County. The location of a successful midnight assault by the American Light Infantry against a British garrison in 1779. Also, the site of the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River. Today, it all comes to life through museum exhibits and special events including evening battlefield and lighthouse tours. Museum open Wednesday through Sunday. Battlefield and picnic grounds open mid-April through October. Admission is free except for special events. 845-786-2521. www.nysparks.com www.friendsofpalisades.org THE JACOB BLAUVELT HOUSE 20 Zukor Road, New City. Home of the Rockland Co. Historical Society, this two-story Gambrel-roofed brick farmhouse was built in 1832 by one of Rockland County’s founding families, and is one of the few remaining examples of Dutch-Flemish architecture. The house includes six period rooms with Hudson Valley furnishings, with a historic barn and carriage house. Open for guided tours on Sundays, and by appointment. 845-634-9629. www.rocklandhistory.org ’76 HOUSE RESTAURANT 110 Main Street, Tappan. Third oldest restaurant in America, this was Washington’s Headquarters, Major John Andre’s prison, and the site of the signing of the Orangetown Resolution. Open 7 days, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. 845-359-5476. www.76house.com |
