Van Keurens, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Van Keurens, New York
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 Van Keurens, New York
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Dutchess |
| Town | Poughkeepsie |
Van Keurens is a small community, called a hamlet, located in the town of Poughkeepsie. It is in Dutchess County, in the state of New York, United States. Matheus Van Keuren started this hamlet in the 1700s.
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History of Van Keurens
The Founder: Matheus Van Keuren
Matheus Van Keuren was an important person in the early days of this area. His family lived in Kingston, New York. But Matheus owned a special workshop called a foundry. This foundry was located near the Hudson River. It was close to where the IBM company is today. This area is known as Spackenkill.
Role in the Revolutionary War
During the American Revolutionary War, Matheus Van Keuren's foundry helped the American cause. He made many metal links there. These links were part of a very long chain. This chain was called the Hudson River Chain. It was stretched across the Hudson River. The chain was placed near Fort Montgomery. Its purpose was to stop British ships from sailing up the river. This was a clever way to protect the area.
Van Keurens Today
Today, the hamlet of Van Keurens is mostly a wooded area. It does not have many people living there. It sits between the IBM company and a large rock quarry. The quarry is owned by Tilcon, Inc. Part of Van Keurens is also next to a neighborhood. This neighborhood is called Crown Heights. It is a residential area in Spackenkill.
