The RHE & AEC office is located in the historic village of Red Hook, New York.

History of Red Hook, New York

Prior to the European settlement of the Kingston region in the 1650’s, the Red Hook area was inhabited by the Esopus and Sepasco Indians.  Is is said that early Dutch navigators charting the Hudson River came upon Cruger’s Island, (actually a peninsula or “hoek”) when it was turning red with Sumac and Virginia Creeper in early autumn:  hence the name “Red Hook”.

This Hudson Valley region was settled in the late 17th century under the Schuyler Patent.  Prior to 1812, Red Hook was part of the town of Rhinebeck.  Because Rhinebeck, as well as other towns, had populations over 5,000 residents, the state legislature authorized the separation of these two precincts on June 12 to accommodate and encourage public attendance at town meetings via horseback or carriage.  The first documented Town of Red Hook meeting was on April 6, 1813, in a local inn and held yearly afterwards as required by law.  Wealthy landowning farmers oversaw the maintenance of their assigned roads with the help of their farm workers and neighbors.  The Red Hook Society for the Apprehension and Detention of Horse Thieves is thought to be one of the oldest formal organizations in the state and still holds an annual meeting.