Kingston: Touring the Historic District

Editor’s Note: New York by Rail updated this November 2018 blog experience to include current information.

It’s a warm, summer afternoon in New York’s first capital, Kingston. I make my way from Amtrak’s Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station. From the station, I head down Broadway toward Rondout Creek through a vibrant, colorful retail area, intrigued by the alluring aromas of restaurants and the eclectic displays of antique shops and galleries. The area’s history emanates from its tall, industrial-era buildings that slope toward the creek, a tributary of the Hudson River. Even beyond this strip, Kingston’s deep-rooted history, from America’s beginnings, is apparent, spreading far beyond this community’s borders. Today, Kingston is still a prime destination, despite the devastation of the past year. Kingston’s restaurants, shops and attractions are open and ready for exploring, making a nice summer day the perfect time to start your adventure.

A view of the river outside the Hudson River Maritime Museum | Photo Courtesy of Erin McKendrick

Four neighborhoods in Kingston are designated historic districts. The first, Stockade National Historic District, was the original site of the village of Kingston, which was fortified by a 14-foot stockade fence during the American Revolution. The second, Fair Street, is a neighborhood of large homes built by affluent businessmen during the 19th century. Throughout the 1800s, distinguished residences representing architectural styles like Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival were constructed on this tree-shaded street just outside the mercantile center of uptown Kingston. The third, Chestnut Street, a hill adorned with mansions overlooking the Hudson River with views of the Catskill Mountains, was home to Rondout’s leading citizens, most notably James McEntee, who built the first home there. The McEntee property is now listed on the National, State and Local Registers of Historic Places. I’m heading to the fourth, the Rondout-West Strand National Historic District. This district encompasses the area that rapidly transformed from farmland into the thriving maritime village of Rondout after the Delaware and Hudson Canal opened in 1828. The terminus of the canal was at Rondout, which later became part of the city of Kingston.

A stroll through the Rondout-West Strand National Historic District is like stepping out of a time capsule into the 1800’s. Each boatyard I pass was an ally to industries like brick-making, cement-making, bluestone (flagstone) shipping and ice-making. Reaching Rondout Landing, I’m eager to learn more about this district’s history. I continue northeast along the waterfront to explore the brick warehouses along the creek when I stumble upon a tugboat, towering above me in the courtyard of the Hudson River Maritime Museum.

The 1898 steam-powered tub boat, Mathilda. | Photo Courtesy of Tim Hetrick

Hudson River Maritime Museum

Built in 1898 in Sorrel, Quebec, the tugboat, Mathilda, is one of the few remaining steam-powered tugboats in existence. With its original steam engine intact, Mathilda is a testament to the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s preservation efforts. Permanently dry-docked at the museum, the tugboat is surrounded by gardens, picnic tables and benches, a gazebo and a walkway along Rondout Creek.

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The museum is housed in a former lumber company’s office and warehouse. Inside, a panoramic display of model boats sails along a mock-up of the Hudson River. The exhibit, Henry Hudson’s Timeless River, is a temporary art exhibit by Raymond Curran, a popular watercolor artist. Curran showcases a collection of new paintings inspired by the voyage of Henry Hudson in 1609. The collection is an artistic journey along Hudson’s route from New York to Albany.

Other intriguing displays include Mary Powell: Queen of The Hudson, highlighting original artifacts from the Mary Powell and place her in historical context with a comprehensive timeline of Hudson River Valley. The museum is also offering a number of online exhibits at this time like Tugboats: Workhorses of the Hudson River and The Hudson River Day Line: 1863-1971. They will continue to offer online exhibits throughout the year so if you aren’t able to visit in person, make sure to check their website!

Cruising the Hudson River

Hudson River Cruises is among the Top 10 Best Hudson River Valley Tours on TripAdvisor. For over 35 years, this sightseeing experience has offered passengers a memorable view of the Hudson River’s historic shoreline from May through October. In the fall, the changing leaves at their peak color, the two-hour ride aboard the Rip Van Winkle II allows for sweeping views of the fall foliage along the banks of the Hudson. During the summer, the cruise affords you a gorgeous view of green-leafed trees adorning the river. Some of their popular sightseeing cruises include a Sunset Sightseeing Cruise, a dinner package and a cruise that departs from Poughkeepsie. Whether it be a view of the sunset along the Hudson River or a delicious meal, each cruise delivers something uniquely special, and I couldn’t wait to experience it.

In addition to sightseeing cruises, Hudson River Cruises offers themed and music cruises with a DJ or live music and hosts private events such as class reunions, birthday and anniversary parties and private group tours.

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I make my way through a large crowd to board. Despite hotter weather than anticipated, the main deck is flooded with passengers. Luckily, seating is available on the lower deck, along with panoramic windows for unobstructed views. There’s a fully stocked bar and snack stand with cold drinks and other refreshments available during the journey, too. I buy a drink to cool off and grab an open seat.

Walking Tours of Kingston’s Rondout-West Strand District

Friends of Historic Kingston if offering self-guided walking tours of the Stockade National Historic District and of the Rondout-West Strand National Historic District.

Information for self-guided walking tours can also be found at the Kingston Heritage Area Visitors Center.

Take Amtrak to Kingston, NY

Experience the historic charm of Kingston, NY via Amtrak to the Rhinecliff-Kingston Station (RHI) in the Hudson Valley. Don’t forget to use the I Love New York 15% discount!

Staying in the area? Rent a car from Enterprise! Enterprise picks you up at RHI and takes you to your rental car. Use the code, NYTRAIN, for a discount when making your reservation. Click here to reserve your car or call Enterprise’s Kingston office: 845-336-4700.