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DOWN WITH RENT!

In 2022, Derek Curl commissioned Zachary Lank to paint a contemporary version of the Anti-Rent War to commemorate the events that took place in Andes in 1845. The paining hangs in the Green Room, a reminder to all of the remarkable history of this town.

 

Zachary writes:​ "Here, in the little town of Andes, a community came together in solidarity to rid themselves of their feudal bonds. They were exploited, cheated, imprisoned by debt, but it did not break them. Instead, they responded with color and heart. They met despair with a mix of mischief and stony resolve. They got serious and got organized. 

 

The figure at the center of the painting, our Patroon, is this enormous, floppy, overstuffed effigy of a lord and landowner. He’s a quintessential scarecrow - an empty form, standing in the field, marking out some area apparently defined as his, against the tenant community who actually live there. And so he had to be this useless old piñata. He’s finally being torn down and parceled out. He’s got tin horns stuffed into his head to make sure he hears what it is you have to say, apples spilling like sweet treats from his hollows. 

 

This is a painting of a small revolution; of a bread-breaking; of a harvest; a festival; a funeral. This painting is for the people of these mountains, and all peoples who work and do not enjoy the fruits of their labors. This painting is for remembering the power we have in each other; that the spirit is wild and bold, and that it laughs."

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The History of Andes

 

Nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Andes, NY, has a history deeply rooted in the natural bounty and resourceful spirit of its people. Established in 1819, the town’s name reflects its rugged, mountainous terrain, a suggestion made by Daniel H. Burr in jest. The first permanent settlers, arriving shortly after the American Revolution, were of Dutch, German, and Scottish descent. They found a landscape rich with resources: rolling hills, dense woodlands, and the waters of the Delaware River and its tributaries.

 

Early Settlement and Industry

 

The Delaware Indians, who peacefully inhabited the region before European settlement, left behind traces of their presence—old apple trees, arrowheads, and tomahawks. By the early 19th century, the town’s economy thrived on logging, tanning, farming, and rafting. Water-powered mills dotted the landscape, and the village itself was self-sufficient, home to blacksmiths, wheelwrights, physicians, and various artisans. By the mid-1800s, Andes had grown into a bustling community, supported by stagecoach routes like the Esopus Turnpike (now Route 28), which connected the hamlet to Kingston.

 

Agriculture, particularly sheep and dairy farming, became the backbone of Andes’ economy, shaping the region’s character for over a century. Despite the challenges of stony upland soils, farmers cultivated hay, feed corn, and pastures, bordered by the stones they cleared. By the 20th century, dairy farming dominated, persisting into the 1970s before giving way to tourism and second-home ownership.

 

The Anti-Rent Wars

 

The Anti-Rent War in Andes, NY, reached a dramatic climax on August 7, 1845, when Undersheriff Osman Steele was fatally shot during a tax sale on Dingle Hill. Tenant farmers, disguised as “Calico Indians” in colorful costumes and masks, had banded together to resist the collection of rents imposed by a feudal landholding system inherited from the Dutch patroonships. Steele’s death became a pivotal moment, symbolizing the fierce determination of the tenant farmers and the growing unrest against the unjust system.

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This event not only underscored the intensity of the Anti-Rent movement but also marked a turning point in New York State politics. Public outcry following the incident pressured lawmakers to address the inequities of the feudal leasehold system. By the mid-19th century, the movement had succeeded in driving reforms that effectively abolished these archaic landholding practices.

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Today, the legacy of the Anti-Rent Wars is preserved at the Hunting Tavern Museum in Andes. This historic site houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the conflict, offering visitors a chance to explore the stories and artifacts of the tenant farmers who fought for justice and equality.

 

Modern Transformation

 

The 20th century brought significant change to Andes. The advent of railroads replaced stagecoaches, with the Andes Branch of the Delaware & Northern Railroad operating from 1907 to 1925. The depot facilitated the transport of passengers, produce, and dairy products to distant markets. However, by 1942, economic challenges forced the railroad’s sale to New York State.

 

A more profound transformation came with the construction of the Pepacton Reservoir, completed in 1955. Part of New York City’s water supply system, the reservoir submerged nearby hamlets like Shavertown, Union Grove, and Arena. Though it provided a vital resource, the reservoir’s creation displaced entire communities, leaving a lasting mark on the region.

 

Andes Today

 

Despite these changes, Andes has retained its unique charm. Main Street, with its well-preserved period architecture, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town offers a vibrant mix of galleries, restaurants, shops, and a museum-community space at the Hunting Tavern, attracting visitors year-round. The Andes Rail Trail, local farms, and the Pepacton Reservoir showcase the area’s natural beauty and heritage.

 

Andes remains a community defined by resilience, creativity, and a profound connection to its environment. The echoes of its rich history continue to shape life in our picturesque Catskill town.

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