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THE HUDSON HIGHLANDS TOUR
The tour begins at the east end of Bear Mountain Bridge and follows Route 9D North, to Putnam's border with Dutchess County. You'll see why General George Washington wanted control of the area. Forts were built and large chains were stretched across the Hudson River to keep the British and there ships from cutting the colonies in two.
You'll start at:
1. THE "MONTGOMERY CHAIN" ~ The earliest of the chains across the Hudson was laid at "Anthony's Nose" It was breached in 1777 when the British marched through the mountains to reach the forts on the other side of the Hudson.2. MANITOU ~ Like many small communities in Putnam County, the hamlet shows little of what it once was, a thriving economic settlement. Nearby iron and copper mines along with the Highland Chemical works operated during the last quarter of the 19th century. A side road to your left will take you down to the river and to what remains of the hamlet.
3. SUGAR LOAF ~ A small fortification was constructed here in 1778. It was manned by 130 soldiers. This fort was one of a line of forts from Peekskill to Cold Spring that were built to protect West Point and to prevent the British from controlling the Hudson.
4. MANITOGA ~ The Manitoga Nature Preserve is located on the former estate of designer Russel Wright, who transformed an abandoned quarry into a beautiful nature sanctuary. The Preserve is open year round for hikers and participants in its many nature programs.
5. St. JAMES CHAPEL of St. PHILIP'S PARISH ~ This small chapel was the first Episcopal Church in Putnam County. It was built in 1771, Damaged by fire in 1777, it was renovated in 1837, and moved to this site in 1863 when the "new" St. Philip's was built on St. James original site.
6. CASTLE ROCK ~ This fantastic castle was built in 1881 by William Henry Osborn. The artist Frederic Church advised Osborn on the location and landscaping. Although the castle is not open to the public, hikers may enjoy the views from the trails and carriage roads of the surrounding Hudson Highlands State Park and Osborn Preserve.
7. MANDEVILLE HOUSE ~ Jacob Mandeville built this house in the 1730's. It served as the headquarters of the Revolutionary War general, Israel Putnam, for whom the county is named, and was visited by Knox, Kosciusko, Lafayette, and Washington.
8. GARRISON ~ Once an important ferry landing and now known for its arts center, community theater. At the time when the Hudson was the chief means of transportation both for people and freight, Garrison's Landing was a thriving river hamlet.GRAYMOOR ~ You may want to take a little detour to see Graymoor by taking a right turn on Route 403 and continuing to Route 9. The Society of the Atonement, or "Graymoor", was established by the Rev. Lewis Wattson, an Episcopal priest who converted to Roman Catholicism. Graymoor is known now as a center for ecumenical and humanitarian activity and is open to the public.
9. St. PHILIP'S CHURCH and CHURCHYARD ~ Built in 1862 the church is notable for its architecture and its wonderful setting.
10. St. BASIL'S GREEK ACADEMY ~ The school was formerly the estate of Jacob Ruppert. Many estates lined the Hudson in Philipstown in the late 19th century known as "millionaires row".
11. DICK'S CASTLE ~ Evans Richard dick began his castle in 1904 as a copy of the Alhambra in Spain. Having lost his fortune in the stock market crash, he quit the project entirely in 1911.
12. BOSCOBEL ~ Boscobel was erected in Montrose near Peekskill in 1806 by Morris States Dyckman, It was demolished but saved by interested preservationists and stored in a barn. It was reconstructed piece-by piece on this site in the 1950s. Open to the public (closed Jan. and Feb.).INDIAN BROOK ROAD ~ A winding dirt road following the lovely Indian Brook stream. You can connect with the HILLS & DALES TOUR.
13. CONSTITUTION ISLAND ~ A crown grant to the Philipse family in 1697. The island was fortified during the Revolution, and the Great Chain of 1778 was anchored here. The island was giving to the US Government by Anna and Susan Warner.
14. CONSTITUTION MARSH ~ Between the island and the store lies Constitution Marsh. This is a sanctuary of the National Audubon Society. The marsh was used for the commercial production of wild rice. The attempt did not work.
15. COLD SPRING ~ Route 9D leads to Cold Spring. Make a left on Chestnut Street, and on the left you will see the ruins of the West Point Foundry, which dates from 1818 to the 1880s.
16. PUTNAM COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM ~ The Foundry School Museum is located at 63 Chestnut Street. The building is dated from 1825 - 1830. The building was originally a schoolhouse for children of the West Point Foundry workers. Open to the public. (closed Jan. _ Feb. ).
While in Cold Spring ~ Take a walk through downtown Cold Spring. This charming village has been restored to its 19th century appearance. Cold Spring is a mecca for collectors of antiques and collectibles. Make your way to the river and enjoy the scenic view of the Hudson, West Point, and the Highlands.
THE CHAPEL OF OUR LADY ~ Built 1833 small quaint church, the first catholic church in the archdiocese built outside Manhattan. built to serve the workers of west point foundry. Restored in the 1970's
PACIFIC HOTEL / HUDSON HOUSE ~ Built 1837 restored in the 1980's one of the oldest in New York and still in use.
OLD POST INN ~ (1820) Located at 43 main street in cold spring, first post office and an old stage coach stop in 1870's through 1880's
FOUNDRY HOUSES ~ At Kemble Ave. there's a small group of six house built by the foundry for workers in the 1820's.
DIAMOND HOUSE AKA HENRY'S ON THE HUDSON ~ Built in1848 is located at 184 Main street in Cold Springs. Once stood as a boarding house/ hotel.
MOUNTAIN AVENUE CEMETERY ~ Cold Springs oldest cemetery dates back to 1750. Here lies foundry workers, their families and Thomas Davenport one of Cold Spring 1st settlers.
17. BREAKNECK Continuing north on route 9D there is a tunnel that's goes under BREAKNECK, once was an old small mining community. Railroad tunnels here and at bear mountain on the old Hudson railroad company connected New York City with Troy and Albany.