Newburgh 2009 Postcards: Postcard #9: Hessian Boot

This is a reproduction of a stereoview circa 1890 that depicts a Hessian boot and spur from a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The boot is in the collection of Washington's Headquarters. It is 13 1/2 inches long, 4 3/4 inches wide, 5 1/2 pounds weight. According to a NYTimes article from 1895, it "is an attraction above all others. It was worn by one of the Riesdesel's Dragoons. These dragoons were fully togged out for calvary service, but not a horse had they so that the unfortunate fellows were in constant agony from the forced marches they were compelled to make."

2009 Postcard Series

2009 was a special one in Newburgh's history. It was the 300th anniversary of the first European settlers, the Palatines, arriving on the land now known as the City of Newburgh. It was also the 400th anniversary of Henrik Hudson and Samuel de Champlain's voyages on the Hudson River and the 200th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the Fulton steamship on the Hudson River.

The Palatine Shop issued a new 5"x7" postcard each week in 2009 for a total of 52 in the series. The postcards all share a border that was on the cover of the softcover version of the official 1909 Hudson Fulton Celebration Program. The dates on this border refer to Hudson's initial voyage(1609), Fulton's steamship's premier voyage up the Hudson River (1807) and the Palatines settling in the land now comprising the City of Newburgh (1709). All the postcards are limited to 100 of each and include a certificate indicating the number of the edition with an embossed gold seal and a custom postage stamp of the logo designed by the Fullerton Crew at Newburgh Free Academy. The card and certificate are encased in a sturdy clear plastic pocket for display and protection. They are available exclusively at The Palatine Shop, 5 Grand Street in the City of Newburgh- next to Washington's Headquarters. The price is $5.00 each.