New-York tribune., 1906-06-04
SAVE VERPLANCK'S POINT.
Frederiche ". Sezcardps Plan an Con-
nection zgith Hudson Celebration.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: Devastated, despoiled and defaced, stands
what was formerly of the most beautiful and is
sn one of the most historically interesting Of the
headlands on the Hudson River. verplanck's Point
and Stony Point, which lies directly opposite. are
the two promontories that form natures gateway
TO the highlands, Irving described them as min
lature Pillars Of Hercules OF which Stony Point IS
the Gibraltar"
When Henry Hudson in 1909. came sailing up
Haverstraw Bay in quest of passage 10 China,
ne encountered this gateway. He came to anchor
al once, perhaps for the sufficient reason that
what he had supposed TO be an OF the sea
ended there, and the waters beyond those Of
an inland river flowing down from the northern
mountains. He may be said to have discovered the
river when he first entered it, but he did not dis
cover that it was only a river until he reached
the head Of the bay. His anchorage wisely
chosen-in the cove under the lee of Verplancks
Folat, sheltered from all storms. To this day it
is a favorite anchoring ground for sloops and
schooners seeking refuge from gales fogs.
The nearness Of the two points 10 each other
naturally led 10 the establishment of the Kings
Ferry, which played important part IN our
Revolution. II was the main line of communca-
ton between the Continental armies in New Eng
land and the other Colonies Troops. stores, NUM-
tons and cannon were continually transported
back and forth on its fatboats 10 meet changing
needs
The British at that period were sadly deficient
strategists. Their plan of campaign was judi
cious one. 1t was TO seize and hold the Hudson
River. cutting all lines of communication between
east and west, and keeping the Colonies hope
lessly divided. The Hudson was as important 10
them then as the Potomac and the Mississippi were
TO US afterward in Civil War. Possession of il
meant success; loss Of it meant failure So the
Kings Ferry became the key of the military
situation, ana was repeatedly captured and
captured Sir Henry Clinton sent fleets and armies
from HI
army down from the north to seize it.
Washingtons counter moves were mastery. He
built fort on Ferplancks Point, named after his
friend and ally, Lafayette, and gave command of
it, first to Armstrong and then TO Livingston. He
built another on Stony Point and when it fell into
Wayne to storm and retake it. In the final cam
paign Of 17S1 he. with Rocheanbeau, spent three
days in moving the French and American armies
across the Kings Ferry, 10 begin the long march
which ended in the victory at Yorktown. After the
surrender of CornwalHs the American army ulti-
mately returned TO Verpianck's Point Washington
planted his marquee rocky enlinence. which
IS still called Washington's Hill There he re-
ceived and reviewed the French army. The Aneri-
can soldiers cut the cedar trees growing prOfUsely
mere and set them up to make an avenue from
sFps FAIhs I eIEy lahQlhs 70 Washington tent
and his squadron Of horse TO exchange congratula-
cessfql establishment Of the United States of
Our State Legislature has lately been taking very
sensible action TO preserve scenic beauties and his
torc landmarks from destruction. II is trying 10
save Niagara Falls. 10 protect the Palisades and
10 stop the blasting away of Hook Mountain It
mas Tnade stony Point a state park and given IL
into the charge of the Scenic and Historic PTeserva
ton Society. II has rebuilt the old Kings Ferry
dock and constructed fences, roadways and shell
ters, and II is visited by thousands annually
But why should have half a gateway and halt
ferry, and leave the other half 10 ruin and desc
Iaton: Why not take also the historic spots on
and let the cedar trees and the daisies grow again
over the ola tOrtdcltinnS and the graves of the
Revolutionary dead? If Washingtons marquee
We're again planted Washington's HiH, thou
sands would visit it every summer.
In the coming celebration of the discovery of the
Hudson River, the Half Noon is to be reproduced
and VIII doubtless he q prominent figure in the
marine parade. When the celebration is past and
over, what shall be done with the historic old ship.
Could there be any destination more appropriate
than TO moor her. for her final rest. at her first
anchorage off Nerplanck's Point, under the shad
owy guardianship of Washington and Wayne and
ROChaInbeau? FREDERICK W SEWARD.
MontrOse-On-the- Hudson June g. 1896