.


The settlement of Esopus [Kingston] by Europeans began with the purchase
of land from the Esopus Indians by Thomas Chambers in 1652, but the history
of the Rondout area begins earlier with Henry Hudson´s 1609 voyage of
discovery.

According to journals from Hudson's voyage, the Half Moon anchored near
the Rondout. Although not permanently settled prior to 1652, Esopus was
recognized as a distinct geographical location by the early Dutch fur traders.
By the mid 1600´s the village of Wiltwyck (previously Esopus) had developed
on high ground two miles from the creek. Wiltwyck was given the name
Kingston following the English takeover of the Hudson Valley in 1663.

Early communication with the outside world was by Hudson River sloops. By
1820 two active sloop landings on the north bank of Rondout Creek served
Kingston. Southbound cargoes consisted of firewood, hoop-poles, grain and
sawed lumber. Return freight consisted primarily of supplies for area
merchants. The two sloop landings were named Twaalfskill, later Wilbur,
located on the north shore of the Rondout Creek, and Kingston Landing, or
the Strand, nearer the mouth of the Creek, at the foot of what is now
Broadway.

Dramatic growth did not occur in Rondout until the Wurts brothers built the
Delaware & Hudson Canal in the 1820s

Kingston's historic Rondout district has undergone a period of revitalization
and its waterfront park is now lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques and
galleries. Two river tour operators provide access to the river, and a nearby
park and beach are wonderfully picturesque locations to spend an afternoon.

RONDOUT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Kingston's Historic Waterfront District
A Brief History of
the Rondout
You need Java to see this applet.
City of Kingston Seal








Website Sponsored by
Mezzanine Antique Center
in Kingston's Historic
Rondout Waterfront
79 Broadway
( 3 blocks up from the
waterfront)
Rondout Inn

Located in a historic
1820's federal style building.
Featuring the privacy of
your own apartment suite.
Three blocks off the
waterfront.

79 Broadway in Kingston's
historic waterfront district