Stockade District in Kingston in Ulster County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Radical Idea
Government by the People
| | Senate House State Historic Site | |
On the run from British forces occupying New York City, the rebel colony's fledgling government came to Kingston in 1777, a city of committed revolutionary sympathies. After the state's first constitution was adopted, New York's newly formed Senate met in the home of local merchant Abraham Van Gaasbeek. But hosting the state's new government made the city a target. Most residents fled ahead of British forces led by Major General John Vaughan, who marched through Kingston, burning most of the city on October 16, 1777.
Albany 19, October 1777
Sir,
With unexampled cruelty, you have reduced the fine village of Kingston to ashes, and most of the wretched inhabitants to ruin. I am also informed, you continue to ravage and burn all before you on both sides of the river
Other Generals are now by the fortune of war in my hands; their fortune may one day be yours when, Sir, it may not be in the power of any thing human to save you from the just vengeance of an injured people.
[Captions:]
The Van Gaasbeek home, known today as Senate House, survived to serve as an example of Kingston's revolutionary history and the birth of an independent republic.
On receiving word of the devastation of Kingston just after his triumphant victory at
this page online
Erected by New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is October 16, 1777.
Location. 41° 56.075′ N, 74° 1.105′ W. Marker is in Kingston, New York, in Ulster County. It is in the Stockade District. It is on Clinton Avenue south of North Front Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kingston NY 12401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Hudson Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Senate House (here, next to this marker); The Esopus (a few steps from this marker); The Loughran House (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Centuries of Senate House (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome (within shouting distance of this marker); Senate House Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Senate House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Story of Historic Kingston (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingston.
Other markers no longer nearby. A Radical Idea: Government by the People
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
