Beekman Arms: 'Resting Place' For Heart, Soul Of The Community

RHINEBECK, NY — There’s no way anyone driving through the village of Rhinebeck can miss the Beekman Arms, a country inn and tavern that has been in operation since 1766.

Its very presence at the intersection of Route 9 and West Market Street — with its multi-story white façade and pillars — takes one back to an earlier time.

Indeed, the Beekman Arms boasts as previous guests presidents George Washington, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Bill Clinton, first man on the moon Neil Armstrong, world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, actors Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall and Nicole Kidman and musicians Yoko Ono and Miley Cyrus, among many other notables.

Even if one doesn’t stay or dine at the Beekman Arms, its doors are open for visitors seeking a glimpse of the past, with its plank floors, oaken beams and welcoming fireplace in the lobby area.

Casey Krawczuk, director of sales for the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, said that plenty of groups pop in to see the space and view historical artifacts.

“It’s like walking into a museum,” he said.

In 1704, the Beekman Arms was added to Traphagen Tavern, which was built at the crossroads of the town, according to the inn’s website.

It was named after the family of Judge Henry Beekman, a prominent British Crown landowner in the Hudson Valley.

Bogardus Tavern, which was the name of the building during the last third of the 18th century, was the scene of American Revolution events, with prominent leaders, including George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, sleeping, eating and drinking at the establishment.

As Rhinebeck, and the rest of the Hudson Valley, grew in population, the Beekman Arms was known as a popular stop between New York City and Albany.

The tavern hosted meetings, parties and religious services and was seen as a gathering place for the community and the surrounding area.

That continued through the 20th century, during peacetime and war.

In 1958, Charles LaForge bought the Beekman Arms, adding a greenhouse to the front of the ballroom. He also purchased the nearby Delamater Inn, renovating much of the property.

The Beekman Arms is within the Rhinebeck Village Historic District which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

George Banta Sr., in 2002, bought the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn from LaForge.

Krawczuk said the inn is run with the knowledge that there is cultural and historical significance surrounding its very existence.

“Being an inn for a couple hundred years,” he said, “it’s a resting place for the heart and soul of the community.”

The Beekman Arms tries to be as involved in the community as possible, Krawczuk said.

“We view that as something not to be taken lightly,” he said.

If You Go

What: The Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn

Where: 6387 Mill St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

How to contact: 845-876-7077 or [email protected]