This storied 18th century house is reputed to be the only dwelling that was not burned by the British during the Burning of Kingston on October 16, 1777. Local legend holds that British Major General John Vaughan, commander of the British forces responsible for the Burning, became enamored with the daughter on the owner of the house and spared the home. In truth, the home was most likely too far off the British path for notice on that fateful day.
The twelve over twelve pane window sashes are 18th century and the central dormer and entry hood are 19th century additions.
It was the residence of the Van Steenburgh Family for two centuries, beginning with Jan Janisse from the town of Amersfoort in the Netherlands. He assumed the surname “Van Steenburgh” following his marriage in 1660. The north and south wings of the home were added in the early 20th century to accommodate a medical practice.
This is the end of the Kingston Stockade Tour, created by the Friends of Historic Kingston and Dutch Heritage World Tours. To go back to the starting point, just turn around and walk down Wall Street. We hope you have enjoyed the walk, the sights and the information we were able to share with you. If you have enjoyed this tour we would appreciate your feedback and your positive review! Thank you! We would also like to bring to your attention to our other Dutch-American heritage tours in the app, all starting with the prefix “How Dutch is…..?”.
Would you like to learn more about Kingston and the colony of New Netherland? Then go to the websites listed in the written text.
www.friendsofhistorickingston.org; www.senatehousekingston.org; www.hollanddames.org; www.newamsterdamhistorycenter.org; www.newnetherlandinstitute.org;www.dutchheritageworldtours.nl
This program is supported as part of the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York. Dutch Heritage World Tours also received grants from the Society of Daughters of Holland Dames in New York and the DutchCulture matching fund in the Netherlands.
Dutch Heritage World Tours has done its best to trace all Rights Holders of the visual material we have used. Nevertheless, if anyone is believed to be the rightful claimant who we have not acknowledged please contact us at info@dutchheritageworldtours.nl
©Dutch Heritage World Tours
Acknowledgements
Dr. William B. Rhoads, Kingston, New York: The Architectural Guide, Black Dome Press Corp.,
Delmar, N.Y. , 2003
Photo Credits
J Peter Roberts and Friends of Historic Kingston Archives, unless indicated otherwise.
