Be this as it may, however, no signification could be more descriptive of the Weird stream, which pours its swift current through the foldings of a hundred hills. The Dutch styled it, the Sleepy haven Kill,' hence the origin of the present term Sleepy Hollow, as applied to the valley.

a Mount Pleascnt was originally organized on the 7th of March, 1798. Rec Stat. The present town on the With of May, 1S45. i The Indian name of the illustrious princess of Virginia. c Vau der Donck's, U. N. N.

506 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY WESTCHESTER.

In the rear of the Dutch church, (situated near the entrance of the hollow.) there formally stood an Indian fort, the remains of which, together with several mounds, have long since been leveled with the surrounding ground. For the erection of these forts and strongholds, Van der Donck informs us, that the Indians usually selected a situation on the side of a steep hill, near a stream or river, which is difficult of access except from the water, and inaccessible on every other side, with a level plain on the crown of the hill, which they enclose with a strong stockade work in a singular manner. " Near their plantations they also frequently erect small works to secure their wives and children against the sudden irruption of the small marauding parties of their enemies. When their castles and forts are constructed according to their rude custom, they consider the same very safe and secure places. "a