The Hudson Valley is rich with legend and folklore. The most famous is The Headless Horseman: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving from our neighboring town of Sleepy Hollow. Not many people know that Mount Kisco has its own legend- “The Legend of Chief Cisqua.”
A long time ago in a land very close by a young hunter/warrior named Cisqua- translated to Kisco- hunted the dense forest of the Hudson Valley for his tribe. One day while hunting he happened upon a clearing where to beautiful young maddens named Pecheque and her sister Sesqua from a neighboring warring tribe were gathering herbs. Cisque was entranced by Pecheque’s beauty instantly. He knew that being distracted like he was while hunting was dangerous, but at that moment everything in his life seemed to come into balance and he did not want to loose that feeling. Suddenly a huge bear galloped across the clearing snatching Sesqua up as he ran- Cisqua snapped into action sprinting after the bear and promising Pecheque that he would save the young girl.
Using his tracking skills Cisqua followed the bear to the base of a great mountain and Cisqua knew where the bear had gone and the danger that came with following, but he had made a promise and he wasn’t going to break it. Cisqua followed the tracks and over came many the obstacles of cliffs, weeping rocks, and sharp jagged rocks that could cut a man in two. He finally reached the cave where the bear had stopped.
The bear was surprised by Cisquas presence giving him the upper hand, but only for a moment and they fought. The bear was strong, but Cisqua had the fast reactions of a warrior. The battle was long and it looked like Cisqua may lose but he got his spear in the right place brining down the bear.
Sesqua was still frightened after the bear was defeated, but when Cisqua promised to clean her wounds and take her back to her sister Sesqua moved from her corner. Cisqua also build a stretcher so he could carry the bear down so he and his tribe could celebrate the ritual to honor the bear’s spirit.
Pecheque was pacing in the clearing when Sesqua and Cisqua returned. She was so happy at the return of her sister she instantly fell in love with Cisqua. The two married bringing peace to their tribes. Later Cisqua was named Chief and he ruled a very peaceful time for the area. Upon his death the tribes named the mountain of the infamous fight Cisqua which later became Kisco.
Today the town of Mount Kisco has dedicated a statue to Cisqua in the center of town and the many trails around the area are full of Indian artifacts maybe some that even belonged to the great Chief himself.
Hudson Valley Historical Interest
The Hudson Valley is full of historical sites, monuments, museums, and special interest places. This area, rich in history and culture, is one of the finest places to visit for a day, a weekend, or longer. Some of the popular attractions are listed below. Ask us for directions to these or other historical places in the Hudson Valley. It's all part of your experience here in Hudson Valley's Country Manor, the Holiday Inn Mt Kisco.
Hudson River Valley
Come explore the heart of America's past along its most illustrious river valley. Visit renowned great estates, hike scenic trails, cruise calm blue waters, and sample abundant produce from the region's many farms and vineyards. National heritage area, New York. www.hudsonvalleyheritagearea.com
New York Waterways
Specially themed sightseeing cruises up the Hudson River transport visitors from NYC to Sleepy Hollow to visit historic sites. A two-hour North Hudson tour departs and returns to Tarrytown on weekends and holidays. www.nywaterway.com
Gardens
More than a dozen breathtaking public gardens throughout Westchester County are open for public tours. These gardens are some of the finest in the northeast and sure to be a treat for the plant lover. www.westchestertourism.com
Caramoor Center
A Mediterranean-style mansion and meticulously manicured gardens adorn this national and state historic site. Each year the center's two outdoor theaters resonate with music at the renowned Caramoor International Music Festival. This landmark is also a coveted site for weddings and picnics. www.caramoor.org
The Hudson River Museum
This cultural complex includes six modern galleries, with changing exhibitions of 19th-century and 20th-century fine art. The state-of-the-art Andres Planetarium, with the Zeiss M1015 machine, lets you explore the far reaches of space. www.hrm.org
Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst is a Gothic Revival mansion built in 1838 and overlooking the Hudson River. The mansion is fully furnished and contains period arts and decorative furnishings. www.lyndhurst.org
Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate
Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. The estate house is furnished with antiques and fine paintings. Surrounding the home, extensive gardens offer panoramic views of the Hudson River and are graced by sculpture by modern masters. The coach barn contains vintage automobiles and carriages. www.hudsonvalley.org
Philipsburgh Manor
This working farm and grist mill, dating to the early 18th century, was once the commercial center of the vast Philips estate. Costumed guides describe the experience of the manor. www.hudsonvalley.org
Washington Irving's Sunnyside
The cozy residence of Washington Irving, whose Legend of Sleepy Hollow has delighted generations of readers. His charming home sits on the bank of the Hudson amid a romantic landscape.
John Jay Homestead
The residence of America's first Chief Justice and his descendants has been left as a historical retelling of Jay's life in the New Republic.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
The final resting place for several famous individuals including Washington Irving, William Rockefeller, Samuel Gompers, and 70 revolutionary war soldiers. Gates are open everyday, year-round.