The Grape King of Croton Point

Richard T. Underhill earned the title "Grape King" through pioneering viticulture efforts at Croton Point during the 19th century. He initially purchased European grape varieties from Andre Parmentier, a Belgian nurseryman who had emigrated to America. After his first European plantings failed, Underhill shifted strategy in 1827, establishing what became "the first large vineyard in the country" by cultivating American grape varieties like Catawba and Isabella across 75 acres, with harvests sold in New York City.

Underhill developed two notable hybrid grape varieties. The Croton grape, a Delaware and Chasselas de Fontainbleau cross, "bore its first fruit in 1865" and garnered multiple horticultural awards. The Senasqua variety, bred from Concord and Black Prince stock, also produced fruit beginning in 1865. Contemporary horticulturist H. E. Hooker praised the Croton as "certainly one of the most delightful grapes...that I have ever raised."