Travel
Historic Huguenot Street is a one-of-a-kind destination that transports visitors back in time to one of the earliest non-indigenous settlements in the United States. This 10-acre National Historic Landmark District is home to a collection of stone houses and a church that were originally built by French Huguenot families in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The street is a unique example of early colonial architecture and is celebrated as the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. The Huguenots, who were French Protestants, fled religious persecution in their homeland and established this settlement in what they hoped would be a safe haven.
A visit to Historic Huguenot Street is an immersive historical experience. Guided tours take visitors through several of the meticulously preserved stone houses, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the early settlers and their interactions with the Esopus Munsee people who originally inhabited the land. The tours delve into the complex multicultural history of the settlement, discussing not only the Huguenot families but also the lives of enslaved and free people of African descent, and the relationship with the local Indigenous communities.
The site includes a reconstructed 1717 French Church and an early burial ground, adding to the rich narrative of the community’s past. The street is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a living history museum and a repository of local history. The site maintains a research library and an extensive archive of early local history collections and family papers, making it a valuable resource for scholars and genealogists. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to preserving this unique heritage and sharing the stories of the people who shaped the region. They offer a free walking tour app, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace and learn about the history of the houses and their inhabitants. Historic Huguenot Street provides an essential window into the origins of the Hudson Valley and the broader American experience. It highlights the struggles and triumphs of a group of people seeking religious freedom and a new life, while also confronting the challenging aspects of colonial history. The site’s commitment to providing an accurate and multi-faceted account of the past makes it a powerful and educational destination for anyone interested in American history and cultural heritage.