Kearney House — Attraction in Alpine

The house was open the three visits I've made while guiding paddling tours from New York (13 June and 24 Oct 2021, and 29 Oct 2022 respectively). There were guides answering questions and pointing out aspects of the house or its inhabitants as well. Two interesting pieces of trivia: the currents on the Hudson and hours between tide cycles (waiting for the tidal current to shift from an ebb or southerly current to the flood or northerly current) made turning the house into a tavern a pretty smart decision because sailors/boat owners often had several hours of downtime to wile away waiting for the current to shift to the direction they needed to go. The second was that the low ceilings (approximately 6 feet one inch) were more about making the house easier to heat, not that people were shorter back then. AND don't miss the large new '2021' interpretive sign down next to the sidewalk adjacent to the marina fence (see photos).

Built circa 1761 but certainly before the revolution (at least the southern half of the structure, the northern have was thought to have been built as an expansion in the 1800s) it is thought the place started as a home and office for those overseeing the busy landing here that was originally built for getting NJ farm produce to New York City via Hudson River sloops. It was later run as a tavern. There was for a long time conjecture that General Cornwallis might have stayed here after the British crossed from New York but historians disagree about that of late. No question though that this landing and house probably saw a lot of intrigue during the Revolutionary War. Read more details about its history at these two sites:...

Located on the banks of the Hudson River at the Alpine Boat Basin, the Kearney House, known also as the “Blackledge-Kearney House, has a rich history, with the original southern portion of the house likely built in the 1760s and a northern addition constructed around 1840, where my partner and I paid a visit.

For many decades, it was believed that the November 20, 1776 landing of Cornwallis' troops occurred at this location, which was then known as Upper Closter Landing or the Closter Dock, and that General Cornwallis made this house his headquarters. It turns out not to be true, as mentioned by a park employee. A plaque was even created back in 1933. Looking back, he actually disembarked about six miles north of Fort Lee at Huyler's Landing, which puts it in today’s location about 1 1/2 miles down south from here.

It was restored to reflect three significant periods in its history: as an 18th-century home, a 19th-century fishing homestead, and the early 20th-century park headquarters.

The area surrounding this house offers ample space for picnics, making it an ideal spot for families and history enthusiasts alike to enjoy the serene views, which we...

PROS: One of the most historic places on the cliffs. Built around the revolutionary war time and having several duties throughout the years it has definitely been kept up with. They now use it as a reenactment location

CONS: The schedule for when they hold events here is never published enough and its a mystery when they will have another reenactment again. I also wish there was a small museum where they have on display actual things that were used in that house back in the day

OVERALL: Amazing location, but i wish they did...