This image is the cover for the book Legends and Lore of the Hudson Highlands, American Legends

Legends and Lore of the Hudson Highlands, American Legends

The Hudson Highlands launched revolutions of independence, industry and creativity, and have long enchanted artists and hikers with countless mysteries that still thrive in the area.


Leni-Lenape legend told of an ancient giant slumbering between Storm King and Breakneck Ridge. During the Revolution, George Washington saved the new nation from a military coup by donning glasses. The ghost of the twice-hanged pirate William Kidd returns to secluded caves and hamlets in the Highlands to guard his treasure. Professional storyteller Jonathan Kruk unveils a treasure of stories of the historic, mysterious and colorful Hudson Highlands.

Jonathan Kruk

Born in El Paso, Texas, but raised in Westchester County, New York, Jonathan Kruk grew up on tall tales and daydreams. Jonathan made storytelling his full-time career in 1989. Every year, he performs for thousands of children at hundreds of schools, libraries and historic sites in the Hudson Valley and Metropolitan New York. Kruk's performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and A Christmas Carol for Historic Hudson Valley sell out each year. Jonathan's been featured on the Travel Channel, CBS Sunday Morning and BBC Great Rain Journeys and is currently heard on WAMC's Listen with the Lights On. Jonathan lives in a cottage in the Hudson Highlands with his wife, actress and filmmaker Andrea Sadler. For more information, go to his website, www.jonathankruk.com.

The History Press