New York State History

At the top is the Henry Hudson Bridge. The large letter "C" painted on the rock was put there by enthusiastic Columbia University students. The story of "Spuyten Duyvil" is related by Washington Irving: "A Dutch trumpeter, one dark stormy night, hurrying with a message from Peter Stuyvesant to the mainland, and no ferryman in sight, vowed to swim across the swirling waters. He cried his boast aloud, shouting that he'd cross the turbulent water 'spuyten duyvil'—meaning 'in spite of the devil.' " He did not make it, but his bravery has not been forgotten.

The Cloisters, high on a hilltop in Fort Tryon Park is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum and is devoted to the art of medieval Europe. The collection also includes painted statues, frescoed walls, stained-glass windows and, recently acquired, the 14th century French reliquary shrine of silver-gilt and enamel which is believed to have been owned at one time by Queen Elizabeth of Hungary. Open daily except Monday. On Sunday and Tuesday afternoons concerts feature medieval music.