Town of the Week: Kinderhook

  |  June 25, 2012

Main Square, Kinderhook

History buffs, rejoice! This week’s TOTW is the village of Kinderhook (northern Columbia County). Established in the mid-1600s, this area is awash in historic events and buildings. Kinderhook is the birthplace of Martin Van Buren, the 8th President, and Washington Irving wrote “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle” while living there. Some believe the the expression “O.K.” was born in Kinderhook. According to local lore, apples that originated from Kinderhook were marked “Old Kinderhook” and referred to as “OK apples”.

Kinderhook, which is one of the villages within the Town of Kinderhook, is cute, walkable, and full of great historic buildings. The village offers an informative walking tour, the details of which can be found on the village website. It includes the Benedict Arnold House, the Martin Van Buren historic site, and the Kinderhook Reformed Church.

Van Alen House, Kinderhook

The village is pretty far north, not far from from Albany, but there are a lot of great old farmhouses and Victorians up for grabs in Kinderhook, including this drool-worthy place we talked about last week. Not much in the five-figures category, but a decent amount of luxury properties and some reasonably priced beauties. Located approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes from NYC.

Village of Kinderhook official website

Town of Kinderhook official website

About Kandy Harris

Kandy is a writer and musician/music teacher living in Saugerties, NY.

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