Legends abound in the Hudson Valley. You must have heard the famous legend of the nearby town of Sleepy Hollow. The village of Mt Kisco has its own local legend about an Algonken chief, who is commemorated by a bronze statue in the town square. As the legend goes, a young warrior by the name of Cisqua, now changed to Kisco, roamed the land of the Algonken tribe and one day he happened upon a beautiful maiden and her sister.

As Kisco watched the maiden and the girl, a giant black bear came upon them, snatched the baby girl, and ran up a mountain. Kisco immediately chased the bear and finally caught up with them on top of what is now called Kisco Mountain. There was a horrible fight, but in the end, Kisco killed the bear and saved the baby girl from certain death.

When the Indian maiden saw that her little sister was saved, she wept with joy and instantly fell in love with Kisco, who had risked his life. The young warrior Kisco was named Chief and lived many happy years in the forest, which is now part of the Hudson Valley. He wore the black bear's claws around his neck for the rest of his days.

Now, every once in a while, visitors and local residents can find arrowheads or pottery in the forests or along the nature trails. Who knows, some of them may have belonged to Chief Kisco.

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.