WHERE HISTORY LIVES PART 2: KING'S FERRY

Verplanck was an extremely busy place for several days in August 1781 as American and French soldiers crossed the Hudson River to Stony Point via the King’s Ferry. Two months later those soldiers, with the aid of a French fleet, would deliver a decisive blow against the British in Yorktown, VA, during the fight for the independence of the United States.

Here is the story: During the war troops, arms and supplies from the northern colonies, had to cross the Hudson to fight in the south. King’s Ferry was the key crossing point across the Hudson. 

The French army, commanded by the Comte de Rochambeau arrived in Westchester County on July 6, 1781. This massive effort and challenging crossing happened between August 20 and 26, 1781.
This successful crossing of the river, allowed the necessary troops and supplies to head south, that eventually led to the Oct. 19 surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Va. 

This helped convince the government in London that pouring additional resources into suppressing the revolution was fruitless.

Re-enactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution camped at Verplanck’s Point Aug. 25-27, 2006, to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the crossing.

A highlight of the weekend was the dedication of a plaque with the following inscription near the water’s edge in Verplanck: “In grateful remembrance. Dedicated to the soldiers of the Continental and French armies who crossed the Hudson River here at King’s Ferry August 20-26, 1781 on their march to victory at Yorktown, Va. May their sacrifices and hardships never be forgotten, the liberty and independence they fought for never be taken for granted and may the spirit of their patriotism burn within our hearts forever. Erected at Verplanck’s Point by the patriotic citizens of the Town of Cortlandt on August 26, 2006 during the 225th anniversary of the American War for Independence.”

-Richard H. Becker, M.D.
Supervisor,
Town of Cortlandt