Hill, Nathaniel, Brick House
E of Montgomery on NY 17 K, Montgomery, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
The Hudson River School of painting, which was a 19th-century art movement that focused on landscapes and the natural world, was founded in New York State. Some of its most famous artists, such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, lived and worked in the Hudson River Valley.
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.
Orange County Timeline
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.