Walking Tour - Preview

Many Piermont residents and tourists know Piermont its beautiful river views, its many sensational restaurants, its chic shops and cool art galleries. Few know of its early beginnings, its industrial past and its commercial significance to the country, or of its rich heritage and role in the American Revolution.

While walking this tour, you will sense the close connection between the river and the village. Although this tour does not pretend to present a definitive history of Piermont, the Piermont Historical Society hopes to encourage the reader to seek more information. The walk centers on 10 historic sites, including five of the nine in Piermont that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

What You'll See

The Flywheel – It was scheduled to be demolished along with the paper factory that housed it, but it was built too well, and the wrecker’s ball just bounced off. Rusty and rustic, it is a work of art in a class of its own.

Last Stop USA & the Watch Fires – During World War II, the pier was the embarkation point for over a half-million GIs who would fight in the European theater, and at the end of the war, the debarkation point for those returning.

Peggy’s Point – At the west end of the wharf was Peggy’s Inn, hence Peggy’s Point. It was here that sloops, waiting for high tide, were moored before going up the Sparkill Creek. Legend has it that Peggy’s Inn served more than just food, drink and lodging.

The Drawbridge – Located just past the Post Office and built in 1880 by the King Iron Bridge Company, the bridge is a single-leaf, manually-operated metal drawbridge that was raised to allow marine traffic to pass on the Sparkill Creek.

Rockland Road Bridge Historic District – Known as “The Birthplace of Piermont”, this is the oldest and most historic area of Piermont and many of the surrounding buildings have maintained their 19th-century character. Listed on The National Register of Historic Places, the oldest house in Piermont is here and once hosted George Washington.

Haddock’s Hall – Known locally as the Silk Mill, the hall was built in 1876 and listed in 1990 on the National Register of Historic Places. It is historically and architecturally significant as a rare example of a combination of civic and commercial use. From making rip cords for parachutes during World War II to building motor yachts, this building has seen it all.

The Mine Hole District and The Mine Hole – African Americans lived in this district long before the Revolution. When you reach 175 South Piermont Avenue, look across the street and you will see the entrance to the mine.

JFK Memorial Park and the GI Joe Statue – This park is where the annual Memorial Day observations and other civic events are held. Note the cannon. Found in the river many years ago by local kids, it is believed to be of Revolutionary War vintage.


The Piermont Train Station – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the station was once run by Belle Kelly who worked for the railroad for over 50 years. She served as stationmaster, ticket agent and telegraph clerk, servicing 43 trains a day. It is the only known remaining station of its kind. It was restored by the Piermont Historical Society and is now the home of the Museum of the History of Piermont.

The Onderdonk House – Built around 1737, 758 Piermont Avenue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Onderdonk House is an outstanding example of lower Hudson Valley domestic architecture, illustrating the regional preference for native stone construction in the 18th and early 19th century and the transition between Dutch and English building practices.

Fort Comfort Inn & Resort – Piermont’s first tourist attraction. A set of pudding-stone pillars marks the spot that was once advertised this resort as a place with “…high-class service, beautiful surroundings, caters especially to tourists; open all year…” The resort even offered night swimming with a lighted area for safety.

Discover More

Call for postcards
A collection from Piermont's past
Our historic Castle on the hill!
Historic home given new life
A life of dedication
Building a museum
A Piermont founder
Piermont's Holiday destination
Our biggest industry
Piermont's most strategic asset
Discover Piermont on foot