The Notorious John Watts de Peyster, Sr: A Tivoli Legend in His Own Time
Due to limited seating, RSVP is required. See form below.
The scion of an ancient New York lineage, born into immense wealth and prestige. A general officer who never fired a shot in anger. Tireless campaigner and organizer for the Benedict Arnold “Boot” monument at Saratoga. Winner of “Worst Husband and Father of the Year” award from the Knickerbacker Society for several decades running. Most of these statements accurately describe John Watts de Peyster, Sr, one of the founding lights of the modern village of Tivoli. He was truly a legend during his own lifetime, casting a shadow that still falls across Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley today.
Join Dutchess County Historian William P. Tatum III, Ph.D., for a rollicking ride through the life and times of General de Peyster. Learn about de Peyster’s egomaniacal contributions to Dutchess County and New York life, and his eventual calamitous fall that left him alone and broken on his Tivoli estate. We are happy to kick off the 2024 Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail series at Lasting Joy Brewery, one of the latest jewels added to Tivoli’s crown.
The event will accept and encourage donations to its partner organization, Historic Red Hook.
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The Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail brings history and local cuisine together, while introducing the community to iconic locales. The Tavern Trail is a collaborative endeavor between the Dutchess County Department of History, local historical societies, and signature food and beverage industry partners to create an innovative program that highlights the county’s rich history. Each installment of the program is held at a different historic location and includes a brief presentation on an engaging episode of the local past.
County Historian William P. Tatum III said, “The Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail highlights many of our iconic buildings and the history contained in our epic landscape. These programs are a fun way to explore the links between history, cuisine and local culture that make our area such a vibrant place.”