5 Interesting Things Rhinebeck, NY Is Known For

The Hudson Valley is known for many things. Those who love this area are fascinated by the beautiful views, large option of trails to choose from, the four seasons and more.

However, sometimes the mind blowing historical stories are left behind. History buffs are truly in their element when they learn little facts about every hamlet, town and village in the Hudson Valley. Sometimes, these fascinating stories are discovered for the first time while others carry on the legacy through generations who then pass on the historical facts to others.

Here Are 5 Interesting Things Rhinebeck, NY Is Known For

1. Rhinebeck Was Once Referred To As A Different Name

Believe it or not, a lot of hamlets, villages and towns in the Hudson Valley went by a different name or two. It wasn't until I was driving in Rhinebeck that I actually came across a sign and did my own research to see if there was another name that former residents used to call the area.

Rhinebeck was once referred to as Kipsbergen, but where did the name come from?

According to the Museum of Rhinebeck History, there's a deed that showed a transfer of land between individuals. This would have been done between Jacob Kip and Evert Van Wageninge in regards to the "south of the land" and "to the north of the land".

It was not stated how many acres were involved but there's a large amount that was called 

"Kipsbergen—so named because the Kips (Henry & Jacob) were the only ones of the 5 partners who signed that 1688 deed with the Indians to actually settle there."

With these documents and information provided from the Museum of Rhinebeck History, it seems that,

"Henry’s son John, signer of this 1709 deed, thought he was selling property from his father’s estate. It’s likely that John’s sister Catlyntje was getting married to Matthys Sleight, and this deed was a settlement of her portion of the land."

Therefore, Henry and his brother Jacob would each have a piece of this divided land.

"Cipsberg" was also known as Kipsbergen.

2. The Rhinebeck Post Office Is On The National Register Of Historic Places

How many times have you driven past those fascinating, blue and yellow historic markers on the road? At times, you may even find them on an adventure or near a place that you visit often.

There are numerous National Historic Register sites located in Rhinebeck. One of the most fascinating sites is the post office.

This historic post office was built in the 1930s and was done in "the stone Dutch Colonial style". This was popular during that time period in the Hudson Valley.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, also known as FDR, played a role not only in the Hudson Valley but all throughout Dutchess County. He shared his views on the architecture of the surrounding towns of where he resided.

According to the Dept of Geography, FDR,

" insisted that the model for this post office should be “Kipsbergen,” an 18th century Rhinebeck home occupied by his ancestors, the Beekmans. "

 

3. Rhinebeck Is Known As Being One Of The "Coziest Small Towns in America"

Those who reside in Rhinebeck or have visited may not be surprised when they found out the news. There is something for everyone in Rhinebeck.

According to Patch.com, the website, MyDatingAdviser.com did a comparison that shocked Hudson Valley residents. 

Patch.com included that the nomination of the coziest towns in America was done based on food, weather, activities, snowfall, cafes and bakeries and more. 

This included and compared the coziest small towns in America, there were about 170 of them in different categories. 

Rhinebeck was rated number 96 out of 170. 

SEE ALSO: 5 Fascinating Things Kingston, NY Is Known For

4. Rhinebeck Is The Home To FDR's Cousins House Which Is Open To The Public

Who would have ever guessed that FDR's family members also owned beautiful estates in surrounding towns? Upon arrival, I had no idea that the house and property that I was going to visit was the home of FDR's cousin.

Thomas Suckley and his wife Catherine Murray Bowne created history in Dutchess County, NY. Their estate called "Wilderstein" was designed in the 1800's. 

According to Wilderstein.org, the meaning behind the name of their estate means "wild man's stone". This was in reference to

"an Indian petroglyph on the property, a reminder of the cultural heritage that preceded European settlement of the region."

By the late 1800's, the son of Thomas and Catherine (Robert Bowne Suckley) along with his wife, Elizabeth Philips Montgomery decided to add onto the estate.

This "Queen Anne style mansion" is also known for its beautiful views, lush landscape and large property. There were three generations of the Suckley family members that lived at Wilderstein. 

Margaret Suckley was not only just a cousin of FDR but they spent quality time together. She traveled with FDR during his presidency and gifted him his black Scottish terrier dog, Fala.

Margaret also helped FDR form his library located in Hyde Park, NY.

Some would also say that she was a "confidante" to him as well. Margaret was with FDR when he passed away in Georgia. She died at the Wilderstein estate in 1991 at 100 years old.

Margaret was the last resident to live at Wilderstein. 

Wilderstein is also known as

"the Hudson Valley's most important example of Victorian architecture."

5. A Rhinebeck Crystal May Be The Oldest Piece Of History There

Rhinebeck dates back to the 1680. It's possible that the oldest piece of history in Rhinebeck could be a crystal.

In the Fall of 2008, according to the Museum of Rhinebeck History,

"We received a very large quartz crystal. At 500,000 years of age, it is probably the oldest piece of Rhinebeck history. It is on loan to us through the generosity and foresight of Wally and Mary Knapp, who had acquired it in 2000 from Dr Edward Dunlap, who quarried it from a 60 acre tract he owned on Enterprise Road. In November, the crystal will go on permanent display at the New York State Museum in Albany, where it will become part of the permanent geological collection."

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