Van Wyck Homestead, Dutch colonial house in Fishkill, United States.
The Van Wyck Homestead is a Dutch colonial house in Fishkill that contains original furnishings, period objects, and archaeological finds from the 18th and 19th centuries. Multiple rooms display how the family lived and worked during different time periods in their home.
The house was built in 1732 by Cornelius Van Wyck and later served as headquarters for the Fishkill Supply Depot during the Revolutionary War. It became an important base for supplying the Continental Army during that conflict.
The homestead displays portraits by traveling painter Ammi Phillips and shows how people used traditional Colonial crafts like woodworking and weaving in their daily lives. These works and techniques tell the story of how families worked and created things during that era.
The site welcomes visitors during warmer months on weekends, typically from June through October. It is advisable to check opening hours before visiting, as seasonal schedules may change.
The property gained notice through a connection to James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Spy, which was inspired by a real espionage case. A Continental spy named Enoch Crosby was involved in events at this location, and his story later captivated the writer.
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