A Radical Idea: Government by the People
Senate House State Historic Site
Consider the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens like Abraham van Gaasbeck, who risked his life, family, and property, when he offered his modest stone house as a meeting place for the first New York State Senate in September 1777. Would you have done the same to support America’s fight for freedom?
New York State’s fledgling government, along with Kingston’s civilian population, had to flee the city as the British advanced north from New York City, destroying Hudson Valley homes en route. The British landed in Kingston on October 16, 1777, and burned most of the city. Van Gaasbeek’s house stands as a testament to Kingston’s citizens who were determined to rebuild after the fire and committed to establishing an independent republic.
Today, while visiting Kingston’s museums, shops, and restaurants, follow the Kingston 1777 Trail or tour the city’s historic neighborhoods and discover over four centuries of history and architecture.
Purchase your tickets
and start your tour at the Museum.
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Albany 19, October 1777
Sir,
With unexampled cruelty, you have reduced the fine village of Kingston to ashes, and most of the wretched inhabitants to ruins. I am also informed, you continue to ravage and burn all before you on both sides of the river . . . Other Generals . . . are now by the fortune of war in my hands; their fortune may one day be yours when, Sir, it may not be in the power of any thing human to save you from the just vengeance of an injured people.
Portion of a letter written by American General Horatio Gates to British General John Vaughn after the burning of Kingston.
Marker is on Clinton Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
