Piermont, above the northern extremity of the "iceworn bosses of gneiss," is a village that was created when the Erie Railway built the mile-long pier that still projects into the river at this point. It is chiefly interesting because of its proximity to the village of Tappan, where Major Andre w^as executed. The house, that was long pointed out as the headquarters at Tappan, has been allowed to fall to decay. Quite recently, within a few 3'ears, the entire front of this building fell out. Most readers will remember the fate of the stone that Mr. Field erected as a memorial of the historic association of Tappan. Some rampant patriot, with more zeal than propriety, applied an explosive and destroyed it. The place where Nyack stands was once a part of the Philipse manor. This town, though of comparatively recent origin, is the principal one in Rockland County,

220 The Hudson River

and numbers among its inhabitants many of the representatives ofold county famihes. The river front is here more accessible to the people of the town than are the shores of villages and cities on the eastern side to the people there. On the Nyack side there is no railroad running close to the river, forming a barrier that is

WASHINGTON HOUSE AT TAPPAN

not usually either safe or pleasant to cross. On the east bank the poorer dwellings and the coal and lumber yards are near the river, while on the west the grounds of handsome residences slope to the water's edge. One of the results of the difference just noted is that there is quite a fleet of pleasure boats belonging to Nyack and a flourishing boat club there, while Tarrytown must be content to enjoy its river prospect from