Peekskill Tutors

About Peekskill

Peekskill, New York has a long history that dates back to the early 1600’s. Across the centuries, Peekskill has witnessed and been a part of a lot of American history. From its initial discovery of 1609, when the first mate of the Halve Maen wrote in the capitan log that it was, “a very pleasant place to build a town;” to its Revolutionary days, when the town provided gunpowder, leather, planks, and flour to the Continental Army; Peekskill has watched America evolve. But perhaps one of Peekskill's favorite moments in history was the day President Abraham Lincoln came to town.

On February 19, 1861, Abraham Lincoln stopped at the Peekskill train depot, during his inaugural procession through the United States. Peekskill was the only town in Westchester county that President Lincoln stopped at; and many believe it was because his congressional colleague Congressman William Nelson asked him to. Whatever the reason, Lincoln was not disappointed by the approximately fifteen hundred people that came out to welcome him, and listen to his address. In fact, people were said to have traveled from Cortlandtown, Putnam County, and Yorktown, just to hear what the new president had to say.

Peekskill’s reception was full of pomp and circumstance, because they understood the importance of having a President Elect visit your hometown. One published article describe the scene saying, ““The Academy boys [student soldiers from the local military academy] were assigned the position of honor, forming a hollow square in the center of which was the baggage tender… and upon which the President Elect was to stand while speaking. The Jefferson Guards in citizens dress, with a cannon, were posted on the Hill in South Street, to fire a President’s salute of 21 guns.” Congressman Nelson introduced the President Elect and then President Lincoln gave a brief speech. The speech was not long, but it conveyed an important message; Lincoln needed the support of every citizen, because the U.S. was on the verge of a national crisis. At that point, four states had already seceded from the Union, and the country was headed towards the Civil War.

Peekskill is very proud of the visit that Lincoln paid the town; and they wanted to ensure that the special moment in history was never forgotten. That is why the community established the Lincoln Depot Museum. The Lincoln Depot Museum opened its doors in 2014, and is managed by the Lincoln Depot Foundation. The museum is located at the depot where President Lincoln gave his speech in 1861. It holds over two hundred artifacts from President Lincoln, the Civil War, local figures, and local organizations. The Lincoln Depot Museum could tutor other towns in the importance of preserving local history.

Peekskill tutors want to see every student do well in school. If your student needs help in school, a Peekskill tutor might be just what you need. Every student deserves the chance to succeed.