An official Path Through History Site! Peebles Island State Park is at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. On August 17, 1777, American forces retreated south to this place as they prepared defenses to make a final stand against the British who intended to capture Albany. Remnants of the earth work fortifications designed by Polish engineer Thaddeus Koscuiszko can still be seen today. Peebles Island is also the headquarters of the Bureau of Historic Sites and Bureau of Historic Preservation Field Services.