This Part of the Hudson Valley Used to be Known as Socconessing?
One area of the Hudson Valley had a very different name at one point.
There's a lot of history in the Hudson Valley and there are a lot of places that currently have or once had an interesting name. There are some pretty cool stories about how certain areas received their name and I'm about to shed some light on one area in particular.
I'm not going to tell you right away LOL, you'll have to keep scrolling (sorry).
History of names in the Hudson Valley:
This area is in Ulster County and it was first called " Socconessing" by the Esopus Munsee of Lenape ( the first inhabitants). I was wondering the same thing... what in the world does Socconessing mean? It's a bit of a mouthful and a lot to say , but it means "a muddy place where the water comes out". The name was eventually changed to something much more specific and I have to say a bit random.
Any guesses now?
Okay time to share, the area I'm talking about is Ellenville. According to officials, there was a tavern that was eventually built in the Ellenville area, it was a local gathering spot and it was called The Hoornbeek Tavern. Officials say, important decisions about the community were made at the tavern and the idea for the town name came from here. Legend has it that the town leaders were trying to think of a name at one point and they were persuaded by Ellen Snyder ( Maria Hoornbeek's sister) to name the village after her. So there really was an Ellen in Ellenville LOL
It's pretty cool to have a whole town after you LOL. I guess suggestion can be a pretty powerful thing.
Fun Fact: Actress/Ex-wife of Charlie Sheen Brooke Mueller was born in Ellenville. You just never know who has a connection to some place here in the Hudson Valley.
Do you know more cool facts about Ellenville? Where's your favorite spot to check out in Ellenville? Share your answers with us on the station app:
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Gallery Credit: Conor Walsh