View No.16: The Mid-Hudson Bridge

Watercolor on Linen / 13“ X 19”

During the fourth day, Hudson passed a Native American village at Wappingers Falls that was then then known as Poughkeepsie. After the War of Independence, it became an important whale rendering center and in 1788, after Kingston was destroyed by the English, it became the second capital of New York State. Here the New York State Ratification Convention of the US Constitution occurred.

Because of the area’s natural beauty, and to provide access to New York City, a railroad was built here in the early 1800’s, Several wealthy families built palatial mansions here including Samuel Morse of the Morse Code fame, the Vanderbuilts, the Roosevelts and the Astors. All but the Astor house remain today and are open to the public. Since 1934 stands one of two landmark bridges, the beautiful Mid-Hudson Bridge.