A local historic preservation group is asking neighbors to keep an eye on a historic ruin the Stockade District after the 17th century structure was tagged with graffiti this week. In a social media post Friends of Historic Kingston said they were discussing additional security measures for the Louw-Bogardus Ruin on Frog Alley.

The stone walls, all that remains of the former mill house, are among the oldest man-made structures in Kingston. It was built by Pieter Cornelissen in 1661 and chosen for its proximity to the Esopus Creek and the town’s — then known as Wiltwyck — defensive stockade. The building was expanded in the 18th century and remained occupied until the 1960s when it was gutted by a fire. In 1975, in one of its earliest efforts, the Friends of Historic Kingston purchased the site to save it from the wrecking ball. Since then, the historic preservation group has stabilized walls, installed interpretive signage and maintained the site as a public park.

In a social media post Thursday, FHK said that they had discovered multiple spots where the walls had been defaced with graffiti, including spray paint in the oldest corner of the ruin. The post said that the group had already paid to remove the graffiti and by Friday afternoon there was no evidence of the vandalism remaining.

“Over the past 50 years, the Friends of Historic Kingston organization has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars at this beloved site,” the post reads. It is a beautiful place that stands witness to centuries of history, and represents an essential part of our preservation mission. FHK has already paid to address the damage (not to worry!). But we are requesting that our community please keep an eye on this place we are so glad to share with you.”