Local History and Our Sense of Place

Sense of place is shaped by numerous factors. We discussed in class how our values of solitude, pride, family, beauty, and friendship among others influence our feelings of place. Not only does our family history shape our sense of place but local history also can give an area a distinct feeling. In the introduction of The Hudson, author Tom Lewis tells the incredible story of the Bannerman’s Island Arsenal on Pollepel Island in the Hudson. This fascinating piece of local history, which is vital to our national history, is unknown to most living outside of the region and gives this area of the Hudson an unmistakable sense of place. Most of us probably know a story of lore about our own place, a nuance that gives it meaning to us and not to someone else. These stories of local history are what make every place special and are what help to define our sense of place.