In September 1777, Abraham van Gaasbeck risked his life, family, and property by offering his modest stone house as a meeting place for the first New York State Senate in support of America’s fight for freedom. As the British advanced north from New York City, destroying Hudson Valley homes along the way, New York State’s fledgling government and Kingston’s civilian population fled the city. The British landed in Kingston on October 16, 1777, and burned most of the city. Van Gaasbeck’s house endures as a testament to Kingston’s citizens, who were determined to rebuild after the fire and committed to establishing an independent republic.