Steamboat days

I worked as a tour guide at Clermont State Historic Site during my school days, so I can vouch that it’s a very interesting (and scenic) place, full of connections to our nation’s early history.

This year Clermont is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the maiden voyage of Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat, which took place on August 17, 1807 and included a stopover at Clermont’s own dock on the Hudson River. (In those days, the Hudson was called the “North River.” )

This weekend there is a two-day steamboat extravaganza at Clermont, on Saturday August 18, from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. & Sunday August 19, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Clermont's rolling hills along the Hudson will be full of steamboat demonstrations and steam vessel exhibitions, re-enactors, educational talks, vendors, and traditional music. A craft tent for children will instruct youngsters in crafts and skills of the steamboat era. A scavenger hunt and contests will be featured along with special tours, and costumed interpreters. And on Saturday the day ends with fireworks at sunset.

All this fun and excitement for a fee of just $7 per vehicle! Clermont State Historic Site is located off Route 9G, just north of Tivoli and the Dutchess-Columbia county border.