Historical Markers in
Putnam County, New York

1917 “Lest We Forget" 1919 1941 “Lest We Forget” 1945 Army Camp Arnold’s Flight Beverley Robinson’s House Birthplace of Darius M. Couch Boring Mill Overlook Brewster Soldiers Monument Brewster Veterans Memorial Canopus Island Capt. John Crane Carver Bridge Chancellor Kent Christ Church Cobra AH-1G/S/F Helicopter Col. H. Ludington Connecticut Camps Connecticut Line Corporal James Harvey Hustis County Court House County Fairgrounds Dag Hammarskjold House Daniel Nimham Dean House DeForest Corners District School No. 1 Drew Ladies Seminary Drewsclift Cemetery Early Catholic Church Eleazer Hamblin Elisha Cole Enoch Crosby Enoch Crosby (Harvey Birch) Fort Hill Foundry Brook Foundry Dock Park Fredericksburg From Forest to Factory to Forest Garrison Veterans Memorial General George Washington Gilead Cemetery God Bless Our Fallen Soldiers Gouverneur Kemble Gregory House Hazen Hill Historic District History of West Point Foundry Honor Roll Hopkins Corners In Honor of All Native American Veterans In Memoriam Isaac Merrick James Carver Jewel of the Hudson Joseph A. Percacciolo, Jr. Knickerbocker Ice Korean and Vietnam War Monument Ludington Graves Ludington's March Ludington’s Mill M-60A3 Main Battle Tank Major John Andre Major John Andre Major John Andre Mandeville’s Maple Avenue Cemetery Marne Post 370 Veterans Memorial New York American Patriot Gardens North Highlands Old Baptist Old Kent Hwy. Dept Old Schoolhouse Old Southeast Cemetery One Room School Dist. #3 Oregon Corners Parade Ground Patterson 9/11 Memorial Patterson Baptist Church Patterson Grange No. 939 Patterson Veterans Monument Philips Smith Farm Philipstown Honor Roll Putnam County Putnam County Putnam County Putnam County Veterans Monument Putnam County's First Park Railroad Station Robinson House Sibyl Ludington Sibyl Ludington Sibyl Ludington South Redoubt Sugar Loaf Sybil Ludington Sybil Ludington The 1865 Office Building The Borden Bridge The Fellowship Hall The First Chain The Presbyterian Church The War Monument The West Point Foundry The West Point Foundry School Thompson House Those who Served our Country Buried in Farmers Mills Area Cemeteries Twin Redoubts U.S.S. Mahopac Union Cemetery Warner Sisters West Point Foundry Archaeological Site World War II Veterans of St. Mary’s
The oldest standing lighthouse in New York State is the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was completed in 1796 and is located on the eastern tip of Long Island. It is also the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the United States.
Putnam County, NY, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history that stretches back to the pre-colonial era. The land was originally inhabited by the Wappinger and Munsee Native American tribes who relied on the natural resources of the area for their livelihoods.

In the early 17th century, European explorers, such as Henry Hudson and Adriaen Block, sailed along the Hudson River and made contact with local tribes. However, it was not until the mid-18th century that European settlers began to establish permanent residences in the region. The area was initially included in Dutchess County and was known for its agricultural potential.

During the Revolutionary War, Putnam County played a significant role as a strategic location. General George Washington deployed troops to the area, recognizing its proximity to key transportation routes and its potential as a defensive position. Several important battles took place in Putnam County, including the Battle of Ridgefield in 1777.

After the war, Putnam County experienced a period of growth and development. With improved transportation infrastructure, including the construction of the Croton Turnpike in 1800, the region became more accessible for trade and commerce. The establishment of iron foundries and mills, as well as the growth of agriculture and tourism, laid the foundation for economic prosperity in the 19th century.

Today, Putnam County thrives as a suburban community with picturesque landscapes and a strong sense of community. Its rich history is preserved in numerous parks, museums, and historic sites. The county continues to evolve and adapt with a diverse economy, including industries such as healthcare, education, and technology.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Putnam County, New York.

  • 1683 - Putnam County is officially established as one of the original twelve counties in New York
  • 1776-1783 - Putnam County plays a role in the American Revolutionary War
  • 1788 - Col. Israel Putnam, a hero of the Revolutionary War who the county is named after, passes away
  • 1808 - The village of Carmel is designated as the county seat
  • 19th century - The county experiences growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation
  • 1871 - The railroad reaches Putnam County, leading to further development and tourism
  • 20th century - The county continues to flourish, with the establishment of parks, reservoirs, and cultural institutions
  • 1960s - The construction of Interstate 84 connects Putnam County to major cities in the region
  • Present - Putnam County remains a diverse and thriving community with a rich history and natural beauty