Hidden History of the Mid-Hudson Valley: Stories from the Albany Post Road

Hidden History

by Carney Rhinevault, Tatiana Rhinevault

The Albany Post Road was the vital artery between New York City and the state capital in Albany in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It saw a host of interesting events and colorful characters, though these unusual and extraordinary stories, as well as their connection to the thoroughfare, are oft forgotten. Revolutionary War spies marched this path, and anti-rent wars rocked Columbia County. Underground Railroad safe houses in nearby towns like Rhinebeck and Fishkill sheltered slaves seeking freedom in Canada, and Frank Teal's Dutchess County murder remains unsolved. With illustrations by Tatiana Rhinevault, local historian Carney Rhinevault presents these and other hidden stories from the Albany Post Road in New York's mid-Hudson Valley.

Genres: History

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2011

Reviews

[Anne Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book for a reading challenge about your hometown because my town is pretty small, but there were several mentions of it in this book. The stories were entertaining and well researched. My only complaint is that in the beginning most take place in the lower Hudson valley, when I know the towns of the mid-Hudson have histories that would be just as entertaining. It should have just been titled referring to the Post Road, since that is the main tie between each chapter. It was cool to learn more history about where I am from though. I love local history, yet many of these tales I had never heard before.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The stories were great, I only wish there were more of them and that the book was longer. It was like sitting down with the elder in the family, and hearing stories of what life was like when they were young. Having lived in Dutchess, Westchester, and Columbia counties, most of the stories in this book were about places I have seen, lived in, been to, etc. And it was interesting to envision all the things that occurred, just in an earlier time. After reading a book like this one, you really do wish time travel was possible!

[Russell Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Hidden History of the Mid-Hudson Valley. The authors, Carney Rhinevault and Tatiana Rhinevaultt, have taken us on a journey down Albany Post Road and revealed tidbits of history that most would never encounter in a more studious book. From an early colonial cross-dressing Governor to the Smith Brothers of cough drop fame and tales of Franklin D. Roosevelt and other statesmen of the earlier centuries of the United States, the stories are short, easily digested, and entertaining. And Tatiana’s drawings that pepper the text are wonderful. My only complaint was that the authors relied often on quoting actual accounts from the time, and thus we, as readers, are faced with reading pages of text in italics. Many will not be bothered by that, however. Anyone who is traveling to the Hudson River Valley or those, like I, who just got back from there, will definitely enjoy these tales.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before you read look up a map of the time period. It will help you read it better. I didn't finish it. This was in our neck of the woods section of my library. The post road tied together all the chapters. If you love the history of places and people. And grew up near or in the places you'll love this.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and fun read

Such good historical tidbits about areas where I live and visit regularly.I loved learning about Woodcliff Pleasure Park and the milestone markers that still exist on the Albany Post Road.

[Patricia Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done

Engaging writing style, historically reliable. My family branches transplanted here in 1620 1630 & 1654. It is a joy to read these stories

[Roderick Brunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid read!