The Burning of Kingston New York

In October 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Kingston was targeted for retaliation by the British following the Continental Army's first major victory at the Battle of Saratoga. Infuriated, soldiers from British--captured New York City, sailed up the Hudson River to take retaliation against the biggest colonial target in the area – Kingston, the new capital ofNew York State. Landing at Kingston Point, the red coats marched along the Rondout Creek and up to the Stockade area (UptownKingston area), burning houses along the way.A small naval skirmish also took place along the Rondout Creek.

In advance of the arrival of the British, some brave colonists, including Deputy County Clerk Christopher Tappen, were able to save key documents and ledgers of the county and new state capital. Although most of the city's men, along with their weapons, were away fighting the British elsewhere, some brave locals fought the British. Most of the city, however, was abandoned ahead of the Redcoats approach, knowing their limited chances against the invading army. After only a few hours of work, the British burned down over 300 buildings and left Kingston in ruins. However, the resilient and brave Kingston residents returned, and in a sign of their determination and resilience, they quickly rebuilt the city.

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