Edmonston House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Edmonston House
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In 2007
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| Location | Vails Gate, NY |
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| Nearest city | Newburgh |
| Built | 1755 |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001616 |
| Added to NRHP | 1979 |
The Edmonston House is an old stone house in Vails Gate, New York. It sits on NY 94 in New Windsor, Orange County. This special house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. This means it's an important historical building worth protecting.
Contents
History of the Edmonston House
Early Days and the First Home
The Edmonston family, James and Margaret Smith Edmonston, came from County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1720. They first lived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, for seven years. Then, in 1727, they moved to New Windsor, New York. They bought 200 acres of land near Vail's Gate.
At first, the Edmonstons lived in a simple log cabin. For a while, their cabin was the only house between New Windsor and what is now Washingtonville.
Building the Stone House in 1755
The family lived in their log cabin until 1755. That year, they built the first part of the stone house you see today. It was a two-story stone building. Soon after, they added another two-story stone section.
The Revolutionary War Connection
The Edmonston House is famous for its connection to the American Revolutionary War. People say it was used as a headquarters for American generals. These included Horatio Gates and Arthur St. Clair. It was also thought to be the medical staff headquarters. This was for the Continental Army soldiers camped nearby. This camp was called the New Windsor Cantonment.
However, some historians have different ideas. Edward Manning Ruttenbur, a historian, believed the medical staff was at the James Clinton house. He also thought the officers stayed in a building across the road.
Later Years and Today
In the 1940s, the east side of the house had a serious fire. But the house was repaired and still stands today.
Today, the Edmonston House is a museum. The National Temple Hill Association takes care of it. They also manage the nearby Last Encampment, which is part of the Cantonment. You can visit the house as a museum. It is open on Sundays from July through September, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
