rhinecliff.org
PO Box 25
Rhinecliff, NY 12574
845-206-4965
e-mail: info@rhinecliff.org
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History
Bannerman’s Castle suffers a major collapse
From The New York Times:
Bannerman’s Castle was already an enigmatic ruin in the middle of the Hudson River, a dreamy landmark for passing train travelers and a passionate cause for preservationists.
But then in the silence of last Saturday night, a large chunk of history suddenly disappeared when the castle’s stone, brick and cement sighed under a century’s weight of weather. Overnight, two-thirds of the eastern tower was gone, as well as one-third of the adjacent southern wall, leaving a gaping hole and concern over how to stop the crumbling.
Come celebrate Cynthia Owen Philip's just published history of Rhinecliff
Nov 23 2008 - 4:00pm
Nov 23 2008 - 6:00pm
Where: The Rhinecliff Hotel - 4 Grinnell Street Rhineclff
Morton Memorial Library & Community House celebrates Cynthia Owen Philip's new book:
Rhinecliff
A Hudson River History
The Tangled Tale of Rhinebeck's Waterfront
Book launch, talk, and signing
Book sale proceeds benefit Morton Memorial Library & Community Center
The complex, colorful history of the riverfront hamlet of Rhinecliff is hidden no longer, thanks to Cynthia Philip s lucid, compelling account of this centuries-old community a place that is so much more than an Amtrak stop and a stepchild to Rhinebeck. Here is the thoroughly researched, fluently written story of strong individuals and national change viewed in the intimate context of a Hudson Valley hamlet. This richly illustrated book is a gem. --John Winthrop Aldrich, New York State Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation
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Rhinecliff History
There is a new book about the history of Rhinecliff by Cynthia Owen Philip: Rhinecliff A Hudson River History, The Tangled Tale of Rhinebeck's Waterfront.
We are currently in the process of developing this section. Our plans include a podcast walking tour along with maps and historic photos.
Rhinecliff is a hamlet in the town of Rhinebeck in northern Dutchess County, New York. It was founded in 1686 as the town of Kipsbergen by five Dutchmen, among them Hendrikus and Jacobus Kip, who moved from Kingston to live in the settlement along the eastern shore of the Hudson River. In 1849 the hamlet became known as Rhinecliff. The quaintness and charm of the hamlet serve as the water and rail gateway to the larger town of Rhinebeck.
Rhinecliff is one of the oldest intact hamlets along the Hudson River and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributor to the Hudson River National Historic Landmark District. At 20 miles (30 km) long, this Historic District is one of the largest National Register designations in the country. Rhinecliff is also included in the Local Waterfront Redevelopment Program (LWRP) and is designated: a Scenic Area of Statewide Significance (SASS), a contributor to the DEC Mid-Hudson Historic Shorelands Scenic District, a contributor to DEC Scenic Roads designations, and is in the Hudson River National Heritage Corridor.
The hamlet is demarcated by large agricultural and wooded area to the north, east, and south, and bounded by the Hudson River on the west. Steep topography, formed by contorted slate ridges and valleys, define the site-specific and seemingly random orientation of the small, frame 19th century houses and winding narrow roads. After experiencing a mid-19th century building boon, the original hamlet boundaries and building density have changed very little over the last 100 years.
As part of the town of Rhinebeck, the hamlet of Rhinecliff is included within the jurisdiction of the Town government. In 2005 the Town Board created the Rhinecliff Hamlet Advisory Council to facilitate communication between the Hamlet and Town. Goals of the Advisory Council are to work with the community on the protection of the historic hamlet, integration of a multi-use greenbelt around the hamlet, appropriate development of the waterfront, and sensitive residential development in outlying areas.
Cynthia Owen Philip has written Downtown and UpStreet: The Saga of Rhinecliff.
History of the Rhinecliff Hotel
If you have historic images of Rhinecliff, please contact us so we can add them to the collection we are compiling to post.
