![Mystery at Vanderbilt Mansion: Who Can Identify this Hudson River Hook?](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2022/01/attachment-Untitled-design-33.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Mystery at Vanderbilt Mansion: Who Can Identify this Hudson River Hook?
If one thing is for certain, there's never a shortage of "what the hell is that thing?!" moments in the Hudson Valley. Our region is steeped in history, which not only helps with the abundance of these mysteries, but many times also means that the answer is actually interesting.
Such a mystery reared its head on Facebook this week, when a user posted to the public Hudson Valley page seeking answers about an intriguing item he had never come across before.
"Down at Mills Mansion [sic] park on the Hudson", Chris Emmet wrote, "does anyone know what this hook like item is. I am a river rat I I have never seen one before." By the look of it, the rusted hook had been there a long time, adding to the intrigue. The comments came rolling in. Before we reveal the answer, what do you think it is? Some incorrect guesses were a lantern hook, a clothes hook for skinny-dipping, and a spot for hanging disobedient children by their shirt collars (ok that last one was mine).
Thanks to the earlier-mentioned rich history of the Hudson Valley, the answer is tied to our past. Said one commenter, which was later confirmed by the National Parks Service, it is boat hook. But not just any boat hook. It was the famous Vanderbilt family's boat hook at Bard Rock.
The coolest part? You can visit. The Vanderbilt mansion is a National Historic Site of New York, and it's open to the public. Tour the mansion, the grounds, and you guessed it: the boat hook at Bard Rock.
30 Beautiful Sights, Nature Hikes, and Historical Landmarks in the Hudson Valley
12 Things to Consider for Your Next Hudson Valley Hike
More From WRRV-WRRB
![Where to See Live Local Music in the Hudson Valley This Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/04/attachment-Featured_LiveMusic.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Why Do New York Rescue Animals Have Dots On Their Heads?](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/07/attachment-Can-you-spot-the-hikers-2024-07-26T145015.644.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Which New Supermarket Dethroned Wegmans As Best in USA](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/07/attachment-8.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Maine Postpones WRRV Sessions Performance for July 31st](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/07/attachment-Can-you-spot-the-hikers-2024-07-26T101949.785.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![5 Cost-Effective Ways to Beat the Heat in the Hudson Valley, New York](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/06/attachment-Conors-Articles-10.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Former WRRV Sessions Headliner to Appear on Primetime Game Show](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/07/attachment-Papa-Roach-Featured-Image.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Devastating Drowning at Popular Summer Spot Near New York](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/07/attachment-cautin.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Check Out These Hudson Valley “Sister Cities” Is Your Town On The List?](http://townsquare.media/site/705/files/2022/05/attachment-thumbnail_woodstock-kean.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![“RENT: The Musical” Alumni Are headed to Peekskill This Fall](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2024/06/attachment-LML-Web-Banner_Adam-and-Anthony-1295-%2525C3%252597-495-px-1-1024x391.jpg?w=980&q=75)