History of Campbell Hall

Campbell Hall is a small hamlet located in the town of Hamptonburgh in Orange County, New York. The area was first settled by European immigrants in the late 17th century and was originally known as Hampton. The name was changed to Campbell Hall in the mid-19th century, in honor of a local farmer named James Campbell.

In the early 1800s, the Erie Canal was built, which connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, and passed through the neighboring town of Goshen. This led to an increase in trade and transportation in the area, and Campbell Hall became an important stop along the New York and Erie Railroad, which was completed in 1851.

The railroad brought significant economic growth to Campbell Hall, with the establishment of mills, factories, and other industries. The area became a hub for the transportation of goods, including dairy products, lumber, and coal. In 1869, the town was incorporated as the Village of Campbell Hall.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Campbell Hall continued to prosper, with the construction of numerous large estates and country homes for wealthy New York City residents. The area also played a role in the early development of the aviation industry, with the establishment of the Campbell Hall Aerodrome in 1914.

In the 1950s and 60s, Campbell Hall experienced significant suburbanization, with the construction of new housing developments and the growth of the commuter population. The village's economy shifted away from agriculture and industry towards the service and retail sectors.

Today, Campbell Hall remains a small, primarily residential community, with a population of around 4,500 people. The village retains some of its historic charm, with several buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries still standing, including the Campbell Hall Railroad Depot and the Campbell Hall United Methodist Church.