The New York and Albany Post Road / From Kings Bridge to "The Ferry at Crawlier, over against Albany," Being an Account of a Jaunt on Foot Made at Sundry Convenient Times between May and November, Nineteen Hundred and Five

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23857

Title

The New York and Albany Post Road / From Kings Bridge to "The Ferry at Crawlier, over against Albany," Being an Account of a Jaunt on Foot Made at Sundry Convenient Times between May and November, Nineteen Hundred and Five

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

C.G. Hine invites readers to traverse the historic New York and Albany Post Road on foot, capturing the Hudson Valley's romantic blend of nature, history, and legend from May to November 1905.

Summary up to 500 words

In 1905, C.G. Hine chronicles a walking journey along the historic Old Post Road from Kings Bridge to the ferry at Crawlier, opposite Albany. This narrative weaves together the scenic splendors of the Hudson Valley with deep historical context, tracing the road's evolution from an indigenous trail to a critical military artery during the American Revolution. Hine guides the reader through the changing seasons, from the fresh greenery of May to the brilliant 'red gold' of autumn foliage, noting how the landscape itself tells the story of the region's heritage. The journey begins at Kings Bridge, a site of strategic importance during the Revolution where the British and Americans frequently clashed. Moving north, Hine describes the Vale of Yonkers and the deceptive tactics employed by Washington at Vault Hill. The narrative highlights significant landmarks such as the Wharton House, which served as army headquarters and featured in James Fenimore Cooper's 'The Spy,' and the site of the mock trial of the real spy, Enoch Crosby. At Fishkill, Hine details the area's role as a provincial congress meeting place and a military hospital. The walk continues through the Clove Creek Valley and the dramatic Wiccopee Pass, where Hine recounts local legends of giants and water spirits. The author also visits the Centennial Mansion, a social hub that hosted national figures like Alexander Hamilton and Washington Irving. As the journey progresses toward Albany, Hine notes the decline of stagecoaches and the encroachment of modern transport, yet he preserves the memory of a landscape shaped by Native Americans, Dutch settlers, and revolutionaries. Through personal observation and historical research, Hine offers a timeless appreciation for a place where history and nature converge, capturing the essence of a road once crowded with soldiers, stage drivers, and travelers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23857.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg23857.epub

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Categories

• History
• Travel