Rondout-West Strand Historic District
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| Rondout-West Strand Historic District | |
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| (U.S. Registered Historic District) | |
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| Location: | Kingston, NY |
| Coordinates: | Coordinates: |
| Area: | 570 acres (2.3 km²) |
| Built/Founded: | 19th century |
| Added to NRHP: | August 24, 1979 |
| NRHP Reference#: | 79001641 |
| Governing body: | Private businesses and residences; city of Kingston |
The Rondout-West Strand Historic District is located on the shore of Rondout Creek along the southern boundary of the city of Kingston, New York, USA. It is bounded by the creek, Broadway, Hone, Ravine and McEntee streets, an area of 570 acres (2.3 km²) containing 259 buildings, most dating to the 19th century. US 9W and the John T. Loughran Bridge are immediately to the east; the Kingston-Port Ewen Suspension Bridge crosses the creek to the west. The neighborhood is often referred to locally by either of the two names.
A short, easily navigable distance up the creek from the Hudson River, the area, originally known as Kingston Landing,[1] had always been an ideal location for a harbor. But it was not until the establishment of the Delaware and Hudson Canal in 1828 made it a key junction for coal being shipped from Northeast Pennsylvania and bluestone being quarried from the nearby Catskill Mountains that it was able to fully take advantage of that situation.[1] It grew so rapidly that it incorporated as the Village of Rondout in 1849.[1] By 1872 it grew so much more it merged with the then-Town of Kingston to form today's city. By the time the canal closed in 1899, it had acquired buildings in all 19th-century architectural styles.[2]
The industrial base established was such that the neighborhood remained prosperous long after the closing of the canal. But by the 1960s it had, like similar areas in many other American cities, fallen into decay, and it was only when urban renewal and the construction of the bridge led to the demolition of part of the neighborhood that efforts to preserve the remainder were seriously undertaken.[1]
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979; the city has recognized it in its ordinances as well.[3] Today, the area is still an active waterfront, although it primarily sees recreational traffic. Many small boutiques and restaurants have opened in the old buildings along the streets; it has become a popular destination for visitors both by land and water.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Rondout Walking Tour. Retrieved on 2007-08-16.
- ^ Rondout-West Strand Historic District. Kingston — List of Sites. Retrieved on 2007-08-16.
- ^ Kingston's Four Historic DistrictsPDF (1.84 MiB), retrieved August 16, 2007.
[edit] External links
- Rondout-West Strand Historic District is at coordinates Coordinates:
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