At the beginning of September, I visited the Vander-Ende Onderdonk House, located in Brooklyn, New York. I’m very interested in colonial American history, and I’m surprised by how much from that time period can be found within the five boroughs of New York City. You may have to go out of your way to find these places, but it will be worth the wait and the effort.

This building, more commonly known simply as the Onderdonk House, was constructed in the very early 1700s. It’s actually, according to the website, the oldest stone house built according to the “Dutch colonial” style within NYC that is still standing. It currently serves as the headquarters for the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society.

I had no idea that this place existed (again, you’d be surprised how much historical stuff is in NYC that hardly anyone knows about) until that day, and I went there to visit the Battle of Brooklyn re-enactment that they had during the weekend. Well, it wasn’t really a re-enactment; it was more like a “life in a Revolutionary army camp” sort of thing. They handed out samples of beef-and-pea soup (it was okay, but it desperately needed salt). Still, I had a good time.

If you want to know more about it, visit the following website:

http://www.onderdonkhouse.org/

If you’re interested in early New York history or colonial American history in general, then I highly suggest that you visit there.

I took some pictures while I was there, which i will now put here on display for you. I hope you enjoy.

Categories: History, Uncategorized

Tags: 17th Century, 18th Century, America, Brooklyn, colonial, Dutch, history, New York, New York City, North America, Onderdonk House, Revolutionary War