Local History
Racing on the Hudson circa 1912
On Lincoln's Birthday, Fred Koenig and Bob Hopkins attempted to race on the Hudson River from the Tarrytown Lighthouse to Albany, NY. The drivers, in their Maxwell and Chadwick vehicles, had to turn back because the Newburgh-Beacon ferry line was operating across the river. Fred Koenig wore a paper vest which was being tested by its designer, John D. Rockefeller Sr.
The Tarrytown lighthouse began its vigil on the Tappen Zee, which is reputedly the most treacherous section of the Hudson River, on October 1, 1883.
Photography: William J. Cannon
Courtesy of Wally Buxton
