By: Jason Gerber
Rockland County, New York, has a rich and storied past that stretches back to the early 1600s. From its modest beginnings as a Dutch settlement to its crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, the county has witnessed immense transition.
This journey is elegantly shown in THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997 by Beverly Schultz Csordas. The author writes about the county’s evolution alongside her family history.
Dutch Settlers and Early Development
The story of Rockland County began in 1609 when Henry Hudson sailed up the river that now bears his name. Here, Dutch settlers, along with a few French Huguenots and Quakers, began to build a new life in the mid-1600s. These early settlers, many of whom were under the Dutch East India Company’s commission, brought with them their skills and culture and their distinct architectural styles, which are still visible in the Dutch sandstone homes scattered throughout the county.
Rockland County, at the time, was part of Orange County and only officially became its own entity in 1798. The settlers who arrived faced challenges due to the rugged terrain, thick woods, and natural barriers like the Ramapo Mountains. These obstacles isolated the area, delaying its development compared to other parts of New York.
Conflict with Native Americans
However, the interaction between the Dutch settlers and the indigenous Munsee-speaking Munsee’s peaking Delaware tribe was not without friction. As Beverly Csordas details in her book, the differing views on land ownership between the Europeans and the Native Americans led to significant tension.
While the settlers viewed land as property to be bought and sold, the Native Americans believed in sharing the land’s resources. These cultural misunderstandings, along with the impact of diseases, contributed to a significant reduction in the native population.
Revolutionary Significance
By the late 1700s, Rockland County had become a key battleground during the American Revolution. Its strategic location, linking the northern and southern colonies, made it a critical passageway for troops.
One of the most notable events in the county’s Revolutionary history was the Battle of Stony Point in 1779. Under the leadership of General Mad Anthony Wayne, American forces captured the British fort at Stony Point in a surprise nighttime attack. It marked a significant victory for the Continental Army.
Moreover, General George Washington himself made several visits to the county, notably setting up headquarters at the DeWint House in Tappan. In 1783, Washington met with British commander Sir Guy Carleton to negotiate terms of peace, marking Rockland County as a place of both battle and diplomacy.
A Place of Heritage
What began as a small and isolated Dutch settlement eventually became a hub of revolutionary activity. Rockland County’s evolution from these humble beginnings to a crucial location in American history shows the endurance of its settlers and the strategic importance of its geography.
For those interested in the layered history of Rockland County and its transformation through the centuries, THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997 by Beverly Schultz Csordas provides an engaging and personal narrative that brings these historical events to life.
Through her family’s 300-year connection to the land, Csordas offers an intimate view of the county’s past and its lasting legacy.
Read about the personal stories and history in Beverly Schultz Csordas’ book, THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997. Let this family history inspire your genealogical journey.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
