Bezaleel Rudd, who served as an officer in the Continental Army, first settled the Rudd Pond area with his family in the early 1800s. The land remained sparsely inhabited and in 1924 was purchased by the Taconic State Park Commission, which built a bathing house, road, and campsites. In the 1930s, the area's road, trails, and parking lot underwent renovation and expansion by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Rudd Pond has become a popular destination for visitors who enjoy its many outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating.
