Here was an Indian village in 1659, ^ styled by the aborigines Alipconck, that is the place of elms. It seems more than probable that this ancient settlement occupied a hill at (he sQuth end of the present village. This opinion is son^iewhat confirmed by the circumstance that the whole ground is covered with shells, in some places to the depth of two or three feet. It is presumed that these " shell beds^^ generally indicate the site of Indian habitations.

Upon the same spot are situated the remains of the old military redoubt from whence the gallant water guard cannonaded the Vulture sloop of war, as she lay grounded on the ballast reef. The site of the Indian village and redoubt belong to Mr. Hart, who purchased of the Dutch Church.

The Dutch settlement of Tarwetown commenced soon after Philips purchase in 1680. The first dwellings appear to have been erected near the water's edge ; for the convenience of shipping which found here a fine natural harbor. Prior to 1775 a dock had been constructed, and several houses erected near it. In 1776, the village consisted of twelve dwelling houses. At the present day there are over one hundred dwellings, five churches, three hotels and taverns, seven stores and an extensive brick yard. The steamboats Columbus, Mountaineer and Arrow make daily trips from this place to the city of New York. A number of sloops are also owned here, which run to various places on the river. Among others the Katrena van Tassel, Harvey P. Farrington, and the Farmer's Daughter, by Gilbert Requa. The principal