A Brief History of Rhinebeck:
"A Picturebook Village," "The Jewel of the Hudson," "The Parlor of Dutchess"

Walking Tour of Rhinebeck Village

Rhinebeck is a beautiful, historic area nestled in the lush, rolling hills of Dutchess County, in the scenic Hudson River Valley.

With 437 sites listed on the National Historic Register, Rhinebeck comprises one of the largest historic districts in the United States. Rhinebeck boasts eight miles of an area known as The Sixteen Mile Historic District composed of thirty contiguous riverfront estates associated with the landed aristocracy in the Hudson Valley during the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Rhinebeck was founded in 1686 as a result of a significant land transaction of 2,200 acres between four Dutchmen and six Indians of the Esopus (Kingston) and Sepasco (Rhinebeck )tribes. The Dutch settlers, Gerrit Artsen, Arie Roosa, Jan Elting and Henrick Kip, still have relatives residing in the area today. The Dutch settlers called their community Kipsbergen and it was not until 1713 that the name "Ryn Beck" appeared as a result of the area's Judge Henry Beekman's reference to his accumulating landholdings.

The Beekman Arms, built by Arent Traphagen, is a charming country inn and restaurant that has been welcoming travelers since it opened in 1766 and is now considered the oldest inn in America. "The Arms" retains a great deal of its eighteenth - and nineteenth-century character inside, where some original structural features can still be seen. Rhinebeck also has many cozy inns and bed and breakfasts to suit the taste and needs of all those visiting, making Rhinebeck the ideal base for touring the historic and picturesque Hudson River Valley.

Rhinebeck has exciting year-round events and recreational opportunities. o The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is famous worldwide for its daredevil sky show and vintage World War I planes and museum. One can even take a ride in a biplane! The Dutchess County Fairgrounds host the county Fair, craft and antique shows and many other events from spring through the fall season. The Center for Performing Arts, which includes the Rhinebeck Theatre Society, plus the Bard College Music Festival offer a wide variety of intellectual stimulation and entertainment through the seasons.

• Upstate Films shows the finest of international cinema. o Rhinebeck and its surrounding area are endowed with an array of places to bike, hike,fish, horseback ride, sail, boat, camp, golf, swim, cross-country and alpine ski, or just relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

• The Rhinebeck Town Landing in Rhinecliff provides waterfront views and a boat launch.

• The Rhinebeck Community Center houses the Starr Library and a recreational complex consisting of a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground and ballfield.

• Wilderstein is an 1888 Queen Anne country home and 40 acres on the banks of the Hudson River. The house and trails are open to the public from May through October, Thanksgiving weekend and weekends in December.

Rhinebeck thrives in its service to visitors and residents, highlighted by the many and varied restaurants and shops. The many interesting shops and restaurants cater to every need, want or whim. Many businesses are located in historic buildings.

With a history dating back over 300 years and a style of casual elegance, Rhinebeck welcomes the visitor and is sure to stay in the heart forever.

The Chamber Cottage is open seasonally, operated by community volunteers. For Further details please call 845-876-4778

Walking Tour of Rhinebeck Village