History

Hudson Valley History and Culture Brim with Early American Flavor in Orange County, NY.

When Henry Hudson sailed his ship, “Half Moon”, up the Hudson River and into Cornwall Bay in 1609, he was the first in a long list of remarkable travelers to Orange County. These influential people determined the early history and culture of America. Travel back through time to the 1700’s to the end of the Revolutionary War. George Washington establishes his Headquarters at a stone fortress in Newburgh, high above the majestic Hudson. Explore a place so rich in history, it’s America’s first Registered National Historic Landmark. Witness firsthand our battle re-enactments, fabulous fairs and one-of-a-kind festivals.

Pictured: The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor, NY

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus sits down with the Director and Chief Curator of the West Point Museum to explore the incredible historical treasures housed within this fascinating museum. From rare artifacts to powerful stories of American history, they discuss why the museum is such a remarkable asset for residents of Orange County.

Learn More About the West Point Museum

History Places to Explore in Chester, NY

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History, Historic Sites, Things To Do, Historic Museums | 93 Brookside Ave, Chester, NY 10918, USA
Chester Historical Society
On the former Erie Main Line, this restored 1915 Arts & Crafts style passenger station hosts rotating exhibits related to the history of Chester and the railroad. The station se...
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Point of Interest, Establishment, Historic Sites | Arden, NY 10910, USA
Clove furnace
Museum with iron mining displays, iron making furnace and exhibits related to county history. Year round. Call for hours.
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Tourist Attraction, Museum, Point of Interest, Historic Sites, History | United States Military Academy, 2110 New South Post Road, West Point, NY 10996, USA
Constitution Island
At this time Constitution Island is not open to the public. Please check back soon. Or visit us virtually and discover the rich history of Constitution Island from anywhere!
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Historic Houses, Things To Do, History | 189 Montgomery St, Newburgh, NY 12550, USA
Crawford House
Built in 1830, the mansion is Greek Revival with Federal elements. Spectacular views of Newburgh Bay and largest collection of Hudson River School paintings in the area. Hudson...
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Historic Houses, Things To Do, History | 1042 NY-94, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
Edmonston House
Built in 1755, this stone home served as headquarters for General Horatio Gates, an intriguer and schemer during the Revolutionary War during the winter of 1783. After the war i...
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Tourist Attraction, Historic Houses | 25 East Ave, Middletown, NY 10940, USA
Edwin Welling Van Duzer Memorial House
A museum of old Middletown in an 1887 home. Historical Society of Middletown & the Wallkill Precinct. Wed, 1-5pm.
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Historic Sites, Things To Do, History, Historic Museums | 690 US-9W, Fort Montgomery, NY 10922, USA
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
Scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River. Museum with movie and exhibits. Interpretive programs by costumed staff, and hiking trails past histo...
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Museum, Point of Interest, Historic Houses, History, Tourist Attraction | 11 Mill House Rd, Marlboro, NY 12542, USA
Gomez Mill House
Welcome to the enchanting Gomez Mill House, a historic gem nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Marlboro, New York. Located at 11 Mill House Rd, this site is not just a de...
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Historic Sites, Things To Do, History, Historic Museums | 44 Park Pl, Goshen, NY 10924, USA
Goshen Historic Track Inc
A living museum with a sporting history over 160 years old. Training facility for harness race horses year round. 1500-seat grandstand. Full slate of harness racing during the m...
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Museum, Tourist Attraction, Point of Interest, Establishment, Historic Houses | 128 NY-416, Campbell Hall, NY 10916, USA
Hill-Hold Museum
Discover the captivating tales of yesteryears at Hill-Hold Museum, located conveniently at 128 NY-416 in Campbell Hall, New York. This historical museum is more than just a coll...
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Museum, Things To Do, Historic Museums, History, Historic Sites | 25 Grange Rd, Huguenot, NY 12746, USA
Huguenot School House
Welcome to the Huguenot School House, a charming and historically rich destination located at 25 Grange Rd, Huguenot, NY 12746, USA. This remarkable building serves as a testame...
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Museum, Tourist Attraction, Point of Interest, Establishment, Historic Houses | 34 N Montgomery St, Walden, NY 12586, USA
Jacob T Walden House
Nestled in the scenic town of Walden, New York, the Jacob T Walden House at 34 N Montgomery St stands as a proud emblem of local history and architectural elegance. Built in the...
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Tourist Attraction, Museum, Point of Interest, Establishment, Historic Houses | 289 Old Forge Hill Rd, Vails Gate, NY 12584, USA
Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site
Elegant country estate of John Ellison occupied by Generals Knox, Greene and Gates successively during the Revolutionary War. Ruins of the 1741 mill, Silver Stream, and trails a...
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Museum, Things To Do, Historic Museums | 111 Schipps Ln, Maybrook, NY 12543, USA
Maybrook Railroad Museum
Refurbished railroad caboose. The Village Hall contains artifacts, films, videos, and photographs of the past. Also, a g-scale model train layout. FREE. Apr-Oct. Sat & Sun, 1-4pm.
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History, Historic Houses, Things To Do | 127 W Main St, Port Jervis, NY 12771, USA
Minisink Valley Historic Soc
Revolutionary War site and 18th century historic house. Cooking demonstrations and tastings. Admission by donation. Last Sat of the month, June-Oct, 1-4pm, or by appointment.
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Museum, Things To Do, Arts & Culture, History, Recreation, Groups & Guided Tours, Attractions | 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY 12550, USA
Motorcyclepedia Museum
Step into the dynamic realm of motorcycling at the Motorcyclepedia Museum, easily found at 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY. This local gem stands out with its extensive collection of...
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Museum, Things To Do, Arts & Culture, History, Attractions, Groups & Guided Tours | 374 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
At the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, located at 374 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY, visitors are invited to journey through the heart of American military history. This...
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Historic Sites, History, Things To Do | 374 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site
The winter encampment during the closing days of the Revolutionary War. Costumed interpreters demonstrate life at the camp. Visitor center (open year-round) features exhibits. S...
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Things To Do, History | 1810 House, 80 Main St, Warwick, NY 10990, USA
Offices - The Warwick Historical Society
Offices - The Warwick Historical Society Things To Do, History located at 1810 House, 80 Main St, Warwick, NY 10990, USA
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Museum, Things To Do, History, Historic Museums | 850 NY-17K, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA
Orange County Farmers Museum
Located on the grounds of Brick House Museum. Vintage farm equipment, blacksmith shop, saw mill, barnyard and visitors center. For the kids that love the farm life, this is for...
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Historic Sites, Things To Do, History | 101 Main St, Goshen, NY 10924, USA
Orange County Genealogical Society
Research rooms open to the public; volunteers will help you find your Orange County ancestors. Call for hours.
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Things To Do, History, Historic Museums | 8 Orange St, Port Jervis, NY 12771, USA
PORT JERVIS FIRE MUSEUM
Welcome to the Port Jervis Fire Museum, a captivating destination nestled in the heart of Port Jervis, New York. Located at 8 Orange Street, this unique museum is dedicated to p...
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Library, History, Historic Sites, Things To Do | 138 Pike St, Port Jervis, NY 12771, USA
Port Jervis Free Library
Only Carnegie Library in Orange County. Opened in 1903 and still a full service library. Houses Minisink Valley Historical Society archives. Call for hours.
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Establishment, Historic Sites, Shopping & Antiques, Antiques, By Town, By Town - Montgomery | 109 Ward St, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA
Rabbit Hole Antiques
Here at Rabbit Hole Antiques we specialize in 18th,19th,and early 20th century finds.
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Things To Do, History, Historic Sites | 2793 US-6, Slate Hill, NY 10973, USA
Slate Hill Old School Baptist Church
Previously known as the Primitive Baptist Church of Brookfield, this meeting house is located along US-6 in Slate Hill, New York, United States, a hamlet of the Town of Wawayand...
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Historic Houses, Things To Do, History | 183 Co Rd 51, Campbell Hall, NY 10916, USA
The Bull Stone House
1722 fieldstone homestead continuously occupied by the Bull family for 10 generations. Original furnishings. Only New World Dutch Barn in the county. National Register of Histor...
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Things To Do, Historic Museums, Recreation, Amusements, Family Fun Amusements, Wheel The World Verified | 86 Main St, Pine Bush, NY 12566, USA
The Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum
Discover the extraordinary at The Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum, perfectly situated at 86 Main St, Pine Bush, NY. This captivating destination invites visitors to explor...
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Things To Do, History, Historic Sites, Historic Museums | 84 Liberty St, Newburgh, NY 12551, USA
Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site
General George Washington made this fieldstone farmhouse his Continental Army headquarters and spent more time here than anywhere else during the Revolutionary War. The new exhi...
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Travel Agency, Point of Interest, Establishment, Historic Sites, Groups & Guided Tours, Attractions, Wheel The World Verified | 415 Main St, Highland Falls, NY 10928, USA
West Point Tours Inc
Enjoy a guided tour of the U.S. Military Academy. Walk the paths of generals and presidents tracing the footsteps of our country’s great leaders. Enjoy spectacular views of the...
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