Village of Red Hook   Distance to NYC: 108 miles Area: 1 square miles   At the time of the Revolution the Albany Post Road, which ran from New York City to Albany, was the only road of significance; supplementing it were roads to the Hudson River landings and the mills. The Elmendorf Inn in the "Lower Village" (now the Village of Red Hook) is still standing and has been restored as a local landmark. Red Hook became a separate town in 1812, the present village was merely a crossroads boasting little more than an inn and a couple of houses. When the postmaster in "Upper Red Hook," General David Van Ness, moved to the Lower Village in the 1790's and built the brick mansion known today as Maizeland, he brought with him the post office name and the Lower Village has been called Red Hook ever since.   During the 19th Century the Village grew rapidly in population and commercial activity.   The First National Bank was founded in 1865 and for many years tobacco and chocolate factories, a hotel, a village newspaper and other enterprises flourished.   Today, the community has a bustling village where residents take pride in the "Home Town, Main Street America" atmosphere with all the character and friendliness of a small town while maintaining its quiet country charm. It is not only a fine place to visit but also a fine place to live. The Village of Red Hook is only about 90 miles north of New York City and 56 miles south of Albany.   Educational Facilities The Red Hook Central School District serves the Village of Red Hook. The district includes The Red Hook High School, Linden Avenue Middle School and Mill Road Elementary School.   The Devereux Foundation, a school for the learning disabled, Unification Theological Seminary and Northern Dutchess Christian School can also be found close-by, as well as Bard College.   Recreational Facilities Nearby there are State and County Parks with boating, swimming, picnic areas, fishing, walking/cross country skiing trails and golf facilities. The semi-private Red Hook Golf Course offers fine dining and a scenic 18-hole course.   The Recreation Park of Red Hook includes an Olympic size pool, ball fields and more. The Tivoli Bays National Estuarine and the Poet’s Walk Park with outstanding river views are minutes from the village.   Houses of Worship Include Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Assembly of God and Baptist. Most all other denominations are close by.