W E L C O M E .

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE, ruins can be found in all parts of the world.  Why have I chosen to focus on the Hudson River?  Is it because of the Valley's world renowned beauty?  Because of this region's great historical significance?  Or perhaps because I grew up here (just outside Poughkeepsie)?  Well, it was probably the latter reason.  In any case, this is an area well endowed with some pretty remarkable historic buildings.  Many of them have been preserved, for both public and private uses.  But many more of our great buildings haven't fared so well.  While we spare no effort celebrating those buildings we've successfully preserved, our failures have been swept under the carpet. This online travelogue takes a closer look at some of the history we have failed to protect.

WE'LL START the tour just a few miles north of Manhattan, at Yonkers. Then we'll head upstate, leaving off just below Albany.  The photographs are accompanied by my own commentary, which I've tried to keep as factually-correct as possible. As time goes by I'll hope to add more stops to the tour, so check back periodically for updates.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I also invite suggestions for any ruins you don't find on this site. So, without further ado, let's get going, shall we?