The Mysterious Story Behind Mathilda In Kingston, NY

Some things still remain a mystery in the Hudson Valley.

In Ulster County, NY a mysterious community was once referred to as "Wagendaal".

In Orange County, NY an abandoned ghost town's past also remains a mystery, where did the people go?

A mysterious plant was growing in the Hudson Valley and I used an app to try to figure out exactly what it was. All of these historical events and stories still remain a part of the Hudson Valley and those who came before us to help settle this area that we enjoy daily.

Do you know about the "World's End" in the Hudson Valley? It's possible that if you were ever out on the Hudson River, you may have been close to it.

By researching these interesting stories, we may come up with answers to our questions and learn more about all that the Hudson Valley has to offer from past to present.

I took part in the Hudson River Cruises Sunset Cruise out of Ulster County, NY. Being on the Hudson River, seeing historical sites and soaking in the fresh, summer air was uplifting. While on this cruise, I noticed a boat that was on land and looked up why it was there.

What Is The Mathilda?

Canva, Wikipedia

Have you ever spotted this tugboat in the Hudson Valley? It now lives on land and is retired from its days in the water.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum shared that the Mathilda is the museum's largest artifact on site.

"Today's Featured Artifact is a fan favorite - it's the biggest artifact in our collection, and one of the few housed outdoors. It's the 1898 steam tugboat Mathilda!"

They shared that she has her own "accession number" which is 1983.34.1. Mathilda was donated by the McAllister Towing Company.

"For Mathilda, she was the 34th donation received in 1983, and the first item in the collection."

What Happened To The Mathilda Tugboat?

Canva, YouTube, Bubbles the cat

The Hudson River Maritime Museum also shared information about Mathilda's past. She was originally built in Sorel, Quebec and was worked on in St. Lawrence River and also in the Great Lakes.

The McAllister Towing company bought Mathilda and later brought her to the New York Harbor. With 1969 being her last year of "active service", McAllister then donated Mathilda in 1970 to South Street Seaport located in Manhattan.

The Historical Marker Database shared,

"In January 1976 the Mathilda sank at her pier at the Seaport. She was raised by the Century floating crane. Since the Seaport could not afford the needed repair work, Mathilda was moved to the former Cunard Line Pier 94 for dry storage."

I would say that it still remains a mystery of how and why the Mathilda sank at her pier.

SEE MORE: Does Your Community Rely On The Hudson River For Water?

Where Is The Mathilda Locadted In Kingston, NY?

Canva, YouTube, Bubbles the cat

Those who are interested in Mathilda can see her in the Hudson Valley.

The Historical Marker Database shared,

"In 1983 McAllister Towing donated the Mathilda to the Hudson River Maritime Museum, and sent her to her new home on the Rondout on the deck of the Century crane barge which placed her in the yard of the Museum."

Mathilda is also known as "one of the last tugs in existence with a steam engine". The Hudson River Maritime Museum welcomes visitors to come see Mathilda and learn about her 100 years of service.

What is your favorite historical story about the Hudson Valley? Have you ever heard of the Mathilda before? Tell us more below.

The Only Way To Catch All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River

How Can You Experience The View Of All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River?

Spending time outdoors in the Hudson Valley is one of my favorite things, I also enjoy exploring different attractions and new experiences.

I took part in the Hudson River Cruises Sunset Cruise out of Ulster County, NY. Being on the Hudson River, seeing historical sites and soaking in the fresh, summer air was uplifting.

This is the only way that history buffs, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can experience these 5 sites along the Hudson River.

Take a look at what can be experienced along this cruise.

Sneak Peek at Highly Anticipated Hudson Valley Museum

A New Museum Will Open In The Catskills Featuring Hollywood's Biggest Stars

The Borscht Belt Museum will open in Ulster County,NY. This allows for the history of the Borscht Belt to carry on in the Hudson Valley.

While celebrities in the past visited the Borscht Belt region, there will be more involved in the community when this museum opens in 2025.

Fran Drescher And Fellow Celebrities Will Sit On A Hudson Valley Museum Board

Fran Drescher is a celebrity that almost everyone likes. Known for her role as Fran Fine in The Nanny, the world couldn't help but laugh at her jokes, statements, and relatable interactions with other members of the show.

According to Yahoo News,

Fran Drescher isn't the only celebrity who will be in the Catskills.

"The museum’s list of advisory board members includes Fran Drescher, Harvey Fierstein, Judd Hirsch, Robert Klein and Richard Lewis — a fitting cast for a place where some of the nation’s top comedians got their start."

Have You Ever Heard Of The Borscht Belt?

According to Borscht Belt Museum.org,

"For generations of Jews in the New York metropolitan area, there was no doubt about the location of those “mountains.” Less than 100 miles from the cramped, sweltering tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was a lush patchwork of forests, farms and bustling rural towns that hosted a summertime population of nearly a million urban strivers hungry for the clean air, fresh food and familiar camaraderie that even a garment worker or cab driver could afford."

Spending the summer in the Catskills sounds ideal.

"From the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses dotted the Catskill Mountains of southern New York. At first they came by train, and later, by bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17."

Some may know this area or region to be called Solomon County, Jewish Alps or The Mountains. The Borscht Belt was also another term that most people remember the most.

How Can You Visit The Borscht Belt Museum In Ellenville, NY?

I took a day trip to the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a humorous sign stating "Come in and schmooze, free admission".

When I entered the museum, I was greeted by a volunteer. I was able to walk around and see memorabilia from the different resorts of the Borscht Belt region and community.

I was also told that this museum is a pop up for now, they will continue to change the set up as well. 2025 marks the year that the Borscht Belt Museum will officially open.