Highland Falls Village Hall

Main St., Highland Falls, NY
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

New York State was the site of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history prior to 9/11. In 1993, a bomb planted in the World Trade Center by Islamic extremists killed six people and injured more than a thousand others.
Orange County, NY is a county located in the state of New York, USA. It was established on November 1, 1683, as one of the original 12 counties in the colony of New York. The county's name is said to have been derived from the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau, honoring William of Orange, the Prince of Orange and future King William III of England.

During the American Revolutionary War, Orange County played a significant role. It served as a major supply route for the Continental Army, and its Hudson River area witnessed several important military engagements. The decisive Battle of Minisink, fought in 1779, is notable as one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution.

In the early 19th century, Orange County experienced significant industrial growth. Its natural resources, such as iron ore and coal, fueled the expansion of industries like mining and manufacturing. The Erie Railroad's arrival in the mid-1800s also enhanced the county's economic development, opening up markets for its products and increasing transportation options.

Throughout the 20th century, Orange County transformed into a suburban area, largely due to its proximity to New York City. The county's population grew, and suburban developments expanded, attracting residents seeking a more affordable and less crowded lifestyle. Today, Orange County is a diverse and vibrant community, offering a mix of urban and rural experiences, historical sites, natural beauty, and a strong local economy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Orange County, New York.

  • 1683 - Orange County is established as one of the original 12 counties in New York.
  • 1765-1775 - Tensions rise between American colonists and the British Empire, leading to the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1779 - The Sullivan Expedition, led by General John Sullivan, targets Native American tribes in the area during the Revolutionary War.
  • 1801 - The village of Goshen becomes the county seat of Orange County.
  • 1840 - The Erie Railroad expands into Orange County, boosting transportation and economic growth.
  • 1919-1933 - Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the sale and production of alcohol, leads to an increase in illegal activities and bootlegging in Orange County.
  • 1939-1945 - Orange County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the military and local industries supporting the war production.
  • 1969 - Woodstock Music Festival, a pivotal moment in American countercultural history, takes place in the town of Bethel in Orange County.
  • 2001 - The September 11 attacks in New York City have a significant impact on Orange County, as many residents commute to the city for work.