294 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



burgh hills, overlooking the Hudson at the widest point of the Tappan 

 Zee, which is here nearly three miles across. 



Tarwe town, the old orthography of the Dutch word tarwe, (wheat) 

 " the wheat town," probably so called from the abundant culture of that 

 grain in this vicinity. 



Here was an Indian village in 1659," styled by the aborigines Alip- 

 conck, that is the place of elms. It seems more than probable that this 

 ancient settlement occupied a hill at the south end of the present village. 

 This opinion is somewhat confirmed by the circumstance that the whole 

 ground is covered with shells, in some places to the depth of two or 

 three feet. It is presumed that these " shell beds" generally indicate 

 the site of Indian habitations. 



Upon the same spot are situated the remains of the old military re- 

 doubt from whence the gallant water guard cannonaded the Vulture 

 sloop of war, as she lay grounded on the ballast reef. The site of the 

 Indian village and redoubt belong to Mr. Hart, who purchased of the 

 Dutch Church. 



The Dutch settlement of Tarwetown commenced soon after Philips 

 purchase in 1680. The first dwellings appear to have been erected 

 near the water's edge, for the convenience of shipping, which found here 

 a fine natural harbor. Prior to 1775 a dock had been constructed, 

 and several houses erected near it. There are over five hundred dwell- 

 ings, one Protestant Episcopal church, one Dutch Reformed church, one 

 Baptist, one Methodist Episcopal church, one colored Methodist church. 

 Four hotels and taverns, a large number of stores ; one savings' bank, 

 one banking house, and several young ladies' seminaries. 



In 1875 the water works were constructed, a large reservoir was built 

 on the hill east of the village — it is supplied by water from the Adrec 

 brook, which is thrown up by the means of a steam pump near the depot. 

 There is a fine fire department, organized by the Board of Trustees. 

 In 1776, the village consisted of twelve dwelling houses. At the present 

 day steamboats make daily trips from this place to the city of New 

 York, and a number of sloops are also owned here, which run to various 

 places on the river. h Near the water's edge, in the vicinity of the land- 

 ing, is situated the residence of General William Paulding. This house 

 was erected previous to the Revolution, by his father William Paulding, 

 Esq. From its proximity to the water it was frequently the object of 

 the enemy's fire; the marks of their cannon balls are still visible on its 

 walls. 



a Visscher's map Nov. Belpii. 



6 A steam ferry connects this place ■with Nyack, a village situated on the opposite side of 

 the Hudson. 



