Living in Westchester and the Hudson Valley region we are surrounded by the history of the early settlers and the Revolutionary War. In many cases these historic treasures have been paved over or lost as modern life has developed around them. The Van Wyck Homestead Museum is one excellent example of the dynamic between development and preserving history. The homestead sits unexpectedly between an interstate overpass and a once-bustling shopping center. Yet it may have been one of the most pivotal and strategic locations in our war for independence.
The Original House
The day my son and I visited the homestead Jack Hale, a member of the Fishkill Historical Society, gave us an informative tour. We began by visiting the east wing of the house, which was actually the original house – a three-room home built in 1732 by Cornelius Van Wyck. Within 20 years Van Wyck had added the west wing which was designed and built as a Dutch colonial house. This distinctive and rare style of house features a central hallway, which is always orientated north to south and has identical entrances at both ends of the central hallway. This was a very practical way of allowing air to flow through the house especially on warm days. The large hallways in Dutch colonials also served as large gathering rooms for guests during parties and other occasions.
We learned that the house and the surrounding farm were requisitioned by General George Washington in late 1776 and served as an active supply depot and garrison until 1783. According to Hale, the homestead and surrounding lands were renamed the Fishkill Supply Depot, and housed as many as 2,000 soldiers and support personnel. The site contained barracks, a blacksmith, an artillery park, a wig maker, baker and tent maker, even a field hospital. The main house served as General Putnam’s headquarters and was visited by historical figures such as Washington, Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay.
Location, Location, Location
According to Hale, the Fishkill Supply Depot was the linchpin in the defense of New York and New England. The Homestead had one of the most important strategic locations in the war. The British occupied New York City from the onset of the war. They had just burned the capital, Kingston, to the ground in order to squelch that hotbed of revolutionary activity. The Hudson River and the Albany Post Road were the major routes for the British. The supply depot with its contingent of soldiers effectively blocked travel on the Post Road and was within easy striking distance of the river. The Wiccopee pass, a natural break in the Fishkill mountain range just south of the Homestead, was fortified and manned by troops stationed at Fishkill Supply Depot in order to prevent British troops from coming north.
Modern Mayhem
Hale also told us how the homestead barely escaped destruction during the construction of the I-84 cloverleaf, which intersects with Rte. 9 mere yards from the historic house. Luck and the generosity of one individual saved the house as it was sold to the Fishkill Historical Society and almost immediately gained protected status as a historical landmark.
While the main house was saved, most of the adjacent supply depot was ravaged by construction for a mall. Members of the Fishkill Historical Society are hopeful that many artifacts still lie beneath the mall parking lot. Data from ground penetrating side scan radar have indicated that this might be the case, so the Fishkill Society is actively pursuing ways to further investigate those areas.
A visit to the Van Wyck Homestead Museum is a short afternoon stop. The House contains some interesting artifacts from the time period including 18th to 19th century furniture and Colonial crafts of woodworking and weaving. A dedicated history buff will have plenty to read and examine. There is also a short self-guided tour of the remaining property past historic monuments and the foundations of former farm buildings. I wouldn’t recommend this attraction for families with younger children. But teens and young adults with an interest in history will appreciate the visit. After visiting The Van Wyck Homestead visitors can go north and stroll the streets of picturesque Village of Fishkill, which still retains a vintage flavor and boasts some excellent restaurants.
Bob Berry is a frequent contributor to Westchester Family.
W hen Y ou G o …
THE VAN WYCK HOMESTEAD MUSEUM
504 Rte. 9 Fishkill, N.Y.
845-896-9560
fishkillhistoricalsociety.org
DAYS AND HOURS
June to October on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. by appointment
ADMISSION
Donations accepted.
