A Bit of History

Revolutionaries & Patriots

From the beginning and running through today Rhinebeck has been home to revolutionaries and patriots who created and now defend the American promise and dream.

Rhinebeck played an important role in the Revolutionary War and other conflicts, fighting for our collective values and liberty. From generals to privates, from all walks of life, all races, including women as well, all played an important—if less visible—role. Among the more than 24 Revolutionary Patriots buried in this graveyard are Chancellor Livingston, who was on the Committee of Five that wrote the Declaration of Independence and administered the presidential oath of office to George Washington. And Richard Montgomery - married to Janet Livingston - fought as a General in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary war. 

1776 The Committee of Five. A group of five founding fathers — John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert Sherman — started drafting what would become the Declaration of Independence on June 11. Livingston was born and raised at Clermont Manor adjacent to Tivoli, and later became a representative of New York. He is perhaps best known for negotiating the sale of the Louisiana Purchase in 1804.

Other spirits joining us here are a Rhinebeck Fife and Drum Band ......

World War I 

Local resident Arthur Haen was a WWI pilot and  undertook a demonstration at what is today the Rhinebeck Fair Grounds. He was based in Long Island where he trained pilots for the very emerging idea of an air force. DCHS hass very rare original footage from 1918 a portion of which can be seen if you scroll down.