Fishkill honors ‘native son’

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Fishkill Town Supervisor Ozzie Albra welcomes guests to dedication of Nimham statue
The Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe performs (photo: Zach Gross)

FISHKILL – Revolutionary War hero Sachem Daniel Nimham was honored Saturday as the Town of Fishkill dedicated an eight-foot bronze statue of the Native American warrior.

Nimham and other Native Americans joined to fight alongside the Continental Army against the British and lost his life at the Battle of Kingsbridge on August 31, 1778 at the age of 52.

Fishkill Town Supervisor Ozzie Albra called Nimham “Fishkill’s native son.”

Dutchess County Historian Will Tatum said acknowledging the contributions of Native Americans like Nimham is long overdue.

“For too long we have neglected the contribution of the indigenous population to our great struggle to create this American republic. (Saturday’s) event ensures that folks traveling through this part of Dutchess County will have a visible reminder of the contributions made by varieties of people, but especially by our own Wappingers tribe, which of course, was settled here years before the first European settlers arrived,” he said.

East Fishkill Town Supervisor Nick D’Alessandro said Nimham reflected “courage, leadership and honor.”

Wappingers Central School District Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk told those attending the ceremony that Nimham’s life and accomplishments will be incorporated in the curriculum of the district.

The statue was crafted by Hudson Valley artist and sculptor Michael Keropian.




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