History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 199

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > New York > Orange County > History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 199

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819

HIGHLANDS.

John Denton, Peter C. Regan, Cornelius Nelson, John W. Hall, David Parry, William Avery, James Miller, Isaac Faurot, and Stephen D. Morrison.

This organization laid out with taste and skill a cemetery of ample proportions.

IX .- SOCIETIES.

There is maintained at Highland Falls a lodge of Masons and also one of Odd-Fellows.

X .- PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.

WEST POINT.

A former writer described so well and briefly the various charms of this place that we unhesitatingly quote from his article :

"West Point will ever occupy a prominent place in the annals of America. It is intimately connected with the history of our liberty nnd our existence as an independent nation. At an early period chosen as a military station, it became the stronghold of the army during the Revo- lution, and was emphatically the Gibraltar of our hopes. The key to New England and the Middle States, it formed one of the greatest bar- riera to the operations of the British, whose bold and deep-laid plans for | and former residents of the post. A number of neat and beautiful mouu- its destruction proved their well-grounded conviction of its strength and importance. Ilad the fiendish machinations of the perjured traitor been crowned with success, a deep, nay fatal blow must have been struck to the cause of freedom. But the God of battles was on the side of the weak and oppressed. Ile placed in operation those means which crushed the foul plot on the very verge of its denouement, and overwhelmed with dis- grace and ignominy those who were lending their aid to its consumma- tion. Never can we be sufficiently grateful for the intervention of P'rovi- dence in this crisis of affairs, when the dark clouds of adversity which

had been gathering from all quarters were just ready to burst upon our devoted heads with all their fury, and render a cause, already desperate, absolutely hopeless. The Genius of Liberty had well-nigh winged its flight to more congenial regions, when, recovering from the shock, it atoned for its momentary reverie by sleepless vigilance, and fixed its abode in these everlasting hills. The footsteps of Washington and Kos- ciusco have hallowed this spot. About a mile to the north is a beautiful little velley, almost hid by the overhanging hills which lend their deep, cool shade to avert from it the heat of the summer's sun. Its smooth beach is washed by the dark waters of the Hudson, whilst through it flows with gentle murmurs a pure stream of cool water from the deep ravine formed by the surrounding hills. Here was Washington's head- quarters, and the retired little spot is at this day known as Washington's Valley. On the east the shore is bold and abrupt, and, even at the pres- ent time, wild, well wooded, and picturesque. Many a miniature pro- montory and retired recess mark the general outline, whilst rock piled upon rock in huge masses gives a wild confusion to the scenery. One spot there is, especially, where the solid granite lifte itself perpendicularly from the river to a great height. About 100 feet from its base it recedes, forming a level space of n few feet in area, when it towers up again till it reaches the table-land above. This natural platform is reached by a long flight of stone steps from above, and is graced with a few shrubs and shade-trees, and a fountain fed by a stream from the adjacent height. This retired and romantic spot when in its original wilderness used to be the favorite resort of Kosciusco whilst stationed at the l'oint, and is still known no ' Kosciusco's Garden.' On the north the shore is less abrupt, and slopes more gradually towards the river Bordering on the water's edge is the little village of Camptown, where are quartered the families of the soldiers and laborers connected with the post. The artillery, dra- goon, and band barracks are in the immediate vicinity. Near the eastern extremity of this slope is the public wharf, at which all the regular boats land on their passage up and down the river. At this point are stationed the cannon which the cadets use in practicing upon the target about a mile beyond, near Washington's Valley. A very fine rond winds along the side of the hill, from the wharf to the plain above. Near the brow of the hill are two large stone stables for the cavalry. A turreted wall of stone masonry also incloses a square area, which is used as a place of storage; a number of pieces of ordnance and various Revolutionary relics are deposited here. Within this space also stand three small stone build- ings which ars severally used as a laboratory, a blacksmith's, and a joiner's

shop. The plain occupies an area of about 80 acres, and in shape is & trapezium of which the two longest sides border upon the river. On the south the table-land continues with more or less undulations to the dis tance of several miles. In the rear, hill rises upon hill till lost in the loftiest peaks. On one of the highest of these hills, called ' Mount Inde- pendence,' stands Fort Putuam, a fortification of no little renown. It was commenced in 1778, and considering the time and circumstances in which it was built, is an immense piece of work. It occupies a large space, and is built of the gneiss rock, though the mortar used in its con- struction has by its decomposition given it precisely the appearance of limestone. The height of its walls will average about 20 feet : in the rear it nbuts upon a precipice of more than 100 feet. Timennd the hand of violence have done much to deprive it of its original glory. Already have all the turrets and embrasurcs gone, and deep chasms are yawning in the main fortification. Several of the large casemates remain entire, whilst but the traces of others are visible. It is a noble ruin, and seems worthy of a better fate than to be suffered thus to crumble away piece- mes! in decay. The situation is a commanding one, and the surrounding view is truly grand, comprising as it does the amphitheatre of hills and mountains, the Hudson, and the Point itself, with its smooth green plain, its white tents, and neat edifices. The ruins of numerous smaller fortifi- cations and redoubts are visible from this elevatiou, the principal of which are Forts Webb and Wyllys. Indeed, every eminence of importance in the neighborhood has its ruins of bastions and ramparts,-incontroverti- ble witnesses of the 'times that tried men's souls.' North of the Point and above Washington's Valley is the cemetery, a retired spot, on the brow of a bold promontory, and now the resting-place of several cadets ments adorn the grounds and record the names and. virtues of the sleep- ers beneath. Above and beyond towers, in all its pristine grandeur, stern old Cro' Nest. Rocky and precipitous, it rears its crest 1400 feet above the water at its base. Clothed in majesty, it appears a giant sentinel placed there to guard the peaceful scene within from the din and confu- sion of the outer world, and to forbid intrusion upon its sacred charge. The view from its summit is surpassingly grand,-nay, enchanting. A panorama comprising every variety of scenery suddenly bursts upon the eye, surprising and bewildering the beholder with its extent, beauty, and sublimity. Time would fail us were we to attempt to enumerate any more than the most important objects of interest in the neighborhood of West Point. Being situated on an elevation of 160 feet, it is not seen to good advantage from the water beneath. On the Southern exposure, however, the hospital, academic building, chapel, and library strike the eye,-all fine edifices, and built principally of stone from the neighbor- ing quarries.

" Near the hotel, and directly above Gee's Point at the bend of the river, is situated Fort Clinton, of which nothing but the mounds, over- grown with turf, now remain. Within its limits is Kosciusco's monu- mant, a neat and simple tribute of respect from the corps of cadets, erectedl in 1828. Just above Kosciusco's Garden has been recently erected a monument to the memory of Major Dade and his command, who fell in the Florida war. A square block of marble, on which are the inscrip- tions, rests upon a granite base. At each corner is an upright cannon, supporting a projecting cap. Above this rises a graceful column, sur- mounted by an eagle with extended pinions, and grasping in his beak n wreath of laurels which eucircles the shaft to its base. It is a beautiful piece of sculpture, and formis a striking and picturesque object in the scenery from the water.

"Contiguous to the public lands south of the ceded territory lies the property of Z. J. D. Kinsley, Kaq., a graduate of the Military Academy, and for a long time an instructor in the institution. After continuing in the service seventeen years, he resigned his commission in the army, and, retiring to private life, soon after established an academy on his own re- sponsibility. The institution is known as the ' Classical and Mathemat- ical School,' and occupies one of the finest locations amid the highlands. It has no connection with the Military Academy, being entirely inde- pendent and separate from it. Standing as it does more than 250 feet above the water, on the brow of one of those wood-crowned heights, mid- wny between the river and the mountain beyond, it possesses a beautiful southern exposure, and a most commanding prospect. The spacious buildings occupy the very site of a Revolutionary fortification, being one of a chain of redoubts extending from Fort Putnam to the river. Thus has its warlike glory passed awny, its ramparts have been leveled, and Mars has yielded to Flora, the goddess of flowers and blossoms. In the rear, Furt Wyllys frowns npon it from un over-hanging height, and, now but n wreck of its former grandeur, opposes itself as a barrier to the fury of the northwest blasts which dash against its time-worn bastions. From this site the Hudson assumes the aspect of a natural lake, entirely barricaded

820

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

from egress at any point by the surrounding hille, which to all appear- ance form a perfect basin. The powerful steamboat darts from behind a wooded crag, parts the emooth waters with hurried strokes, and in a few moments is lost agaio to view as if by magic. The snow-white sail issues from the green hills, dashes on in mad career before the favoring breeze, and anon seems disappearing into the caverns of Eolns, the sov- ereign of the winds. The highlands of the Hudeon ! What beauty, what variety of picturesque scenery do they present !"

TIIE GRAVE OF MOLLY PITCHER.

The story of Molly Pitcher has often been told, but yet awakens a stirring and patriotic interest, and cannot be omitted from the history of the present town of Highlands, upon whose soil she lived and died. Sbe was in Fort Clinton at the time of its capture by the British in October, 1777. When the enemy scaled the parapet her husband, who was an artilleryman, dropped his portfire and fled, but Molly caught it up and discharged the last gun fired by the Americans. Nine months afterwards, at the memorable battle of Monmouth, althoughi but twenty-two years of age, she illustrated her devotion to her husband, who was serving a gun, by bringing him water during the action from a neighboring spring. A shot from the enemy killed him at his post, and the officer in com- mand, having no one competent to fill his place, ordered the piece to be withdrawn. Molly saw her husband fall as she came from the spring, and also heard the order. She dropped her bucket, seized the rammer, and vowed she would fill his place at the gun and avenge his death. She performed the duty with a skill and courage which attracted the attention of all who saw her. On the following morning, covered with dirt and blood, Gen. Greene presented her to Gen. Washington, who, admiring her bravery, conferred upon her the appointment of a sergeant. By his recommendation her name was placed upon the half- pay list for life. She is described as a stout, red-haired, freckle-faced young Irishwoman, with a handsome, piercing eye. She was a great favorite in the army, usually appearing with an artilleryman's coat over ber dress and wearing a cocked hat.

According to Boynton's history, from which these facts are taken, she must have died young,-not more thau thirty-three years old. She was provided for at West Point, as appears from various passages in the letters of Maj. Fleming, addressed to Gen. Knox, then Secretary of War. She lived in the family of Mrs. Swim, and also in that of Mr. Denniston.

FORT MONTGOMERY AND FORT CLINTON,

at the southeast angle of the town, are the principal places of Revolutionary association below West Point. These are mentioned in the General History included in this volume, and are fully described in Lossing's " Field-Book of the Revolution." In fact this whole river front has been the theme of poet, painter, his- torian, and novelist for a hundred years past. Amer- ican literature is rich with the materials gathered i along these rocky shores, and they need no further illustration in these pages.

XI .- INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.

The agricultural products of this town can nev assume much prominence. There is a small amou only of arable land. This is mostly on the plate above the high, rocky banks of the river, and in t narrow valleys of the streams. A large portion of t town must always be left to its native wildness, mu of the mountain region being too rocky even to co stitute grazing lands it they were cleared. T products of the forest have to a limited extent forni an item of industry.

XII .- MILITARY.

The territory now embraced in the town of Hig lands was the theatre of stirring events in the war the Revolution ; but this subject is treated with mu care in a preceding chapter devoted to Revolutiona history, and need not be repeated here.

WAR OF 1861-65.

The official action which was taken in the war f the Union is given in the history of Cornwall, which Highlands then formed a part. It must added that these mountain districts poured out the sons liberally for the defense of the government.

The following list is furnished by Mr. Micha Mahar, of Highland Falls :

United States Engineers,-Isaac II. Birdsley, Michael Maher, John Birds] Michael Garvey, Isaac Ryder, Warren Ryder, Charles Mandigo, IIei Laforge, Bernard Laforge, Ferris Laforge, Stephen Meek:, John H liday, James Fanrot, John Brooks, Thomas Walden, John Bowen, Bowen, James Weyant, Wesley Weyant, Edward Harris, Geo Harris, Thos. Murphy, Edward Holland, Frank G. Turner, Ed. Tha ara, James Swim, Joseph Miller, Anthony Miller, Peter Hany Joel Jenkins, John Myer, Ed. Bross, Benj. Bowne, John Holla Charles Hager, James Tobin, Peter Monaghan, Peter Lark, Jos Lark, Timothy Maher, Joel Conly, Daniel Weeks, Andrew Wee Samuel Tallman, Stephen Denison, Jacob Bettman, Jacob Kins Charles Kinsler, Il. W. Baldwin, George Chace, Jacob Foster, Nel Lewis, William Wallace, Ezra Taylor, James Hamilton, John C way, Joel Cook, Charles Conway, James Lewis, Washington Spri sted, Thomas Cox, Timothy Cox.

N. Y. S. Volunteers .- Richard Rollins, Samuel Rollins, Samuel Pot Robert Potter, Frank Rhinefield, Thos. Lewis, George Serrin, Jo Swim, Joseph Brownley, Ed. Ginger, Jabez Odell, Wni. Odell, Du Odell, Ilenry R. Turner, John A. Meyer, Smith Birdsley, Mich Hager, Thomas Wilson, William Stephens, George Stephens, Antlic Goodsell, James Cox, Jr., James Cox, Sr., Gardiner Havens, John By Abner Curry, Barney Kenny, William Curtis, John Turner, JOSE Turner, Isaac Odell, Peter C. Regau, Michael Cox, Samuel Hany Mervin Van Zile, James Crosby, Joseph Adolph, George Gettm Thomas Sexton, Wm. Tobin, James Moran, Thomas Moran, Ang Ritzu, Lewis Ritzu, Charles Rupp, George Piano, Frauk Bc Henry Bock, Charles Morrell, Abraham Kniffio, Charles Purdy, Jc Richards, Thomas Gafney, Elisha Hall, John Hall, Michael Farr Capt. Wm. H. Wheeler ( U.S.A.), Ezra Doty, John B. Brosseau, John B. Brosseau, Sr., James Wilson, George Slawson, W. M. Cro Hlenry Oscar Dingee, Bartholomew Cavenangh, Thomas H. L. William Reed, Alexander Reed, Peter Ilubler, Thomas L. Cor Moses Rumsey, Joseph Dillee, James McCallum, Thomas McC: Wm. Jaquish, Wm. Brennan, Lewis Lark, Henry Brennan, Angus Nelson, Moses B. Nelson, Lewis F. Goodsell, Joseph Goodsell, Jos Frost, William Lewis, Conrad Sagle, William Hunter, Albert Mor Patrick Murray, John Mahoney, John Maher, John Cook, Geo Ilall, Walter Hall, Peter Shirts, Sylvester Owens, William Di Charles Doty, William Birdsley.

LE S '20 RD-90.

DOBBS BROS. LIBRARY BINDING

ST. AUGUSTINE FLA.

uri 32084

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 00011412841

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 199

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336