The Hudson Valley: The First 250 Million Years: A Mostly Chronological and Occasionally Personal History

The Hudson Valley has a rich history, including dinosaurs, glaciers, native peoples, European settlers, Dutch and English Colonial rule, the American Revolution, slave society, the Civil War, robber barons, bootleggers, war heroes, and the rise of craft beer pubs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

From the dinosaurs and the glaciers to the first native peoples and the first European settlers, from Dutch and English Colonial rule to the American Revolution, from the slave society to the Civil War, from the robber barons and bootleggers to the war heroes and the happy rise of craft beer pubs, the Hudson Valley has a deep history.

The Hudson Valley: The First 250 Million Years chronicles the Valley's rich and fascinating history and charms. Often funny, sometimes personal, always entertaining, this collection of essays offers a unique look at the Hudson Valley's most important and interesting people, places, and events.

The Valley has been home to a diverse range of cultures and communities throughout its history. The first native peoples, including the Mohicans, Lenape, and Iroquois, lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The Dutch and English colonists arrived in the 17th century and established settlements along the Hudson River. The American Revolution took place in the Valley, with the Battle of Saratoga being a significant turning point in the war for independence.

The Valley was also a center of slavery and abolitionism. The slave trade was prevalent in the area, with many slaves being brought from Africa and sold to plantations in the South. The abolitionist movement gained traction in the Valley, with prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman living and working in the area.

The Valley was also home to a thriving industrial economy. The Hudson River was a major transportation hub, with factories and mills along its banks producing goods such as textiles, paper, and iron. The robber barons and bootleggers of the Prohibition era also made the Valley their home, with speakeasies and illegal gambling dens proliferating.

However, the Valley has also experienced significant social and economic changes over the years. The rise of the craft beer industry has brought new life to the area, with dozens of breweries and taprooms opening up in recent years. The Valley has also become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, biking, and fishing becoming popular activities.

In conclusion, the Hudson Valley has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. From the dinosaurs and the glaciers to the first native peoples and the first European settlers, from Dutch and English Colonial rule to the American Revolution, from the slave society to the Civil War, from the robber barons and bootleggers to the war heroes and the happy rise of craft beer pubs, the Valley has experienced a wide range of events and cultures that have shaped its identity. Today, the Valley is a vibrant and thriving community that continues to evolve and grow.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 474 x 258 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493073160