History of Cornwall

Cornwall is a town in Orange County, New York, located about 50 miles north of New York City. The town was first settled by Europeans in the early 1700s and was named after the county of Cornwall in England. 

During the American Revolution, Cornwall played a significant role as a strategic location along the Hudson River. The town was home to numerous military installations, including the West Point Foundry, which produced artillery and other supplies for the Continental Army. The Foundry also played a key role in the development of the industrial revolution in the United States. 

In the early 1800s, Cornwall was a thriving community with a number of small businesses and industries, including grist mills, sawmills, and woolen mills. The town was also a popular destination for wealthy New Yorkers seeking to escape the heat of the city in the summer months.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Cornwall experienced a boom in tourism thanks to the opening of several large resorts in the area. The most famous of these was the Cornwall-on-Hudson Hotel, which was built in 1902 and was one of the largest hotels in the United States at the time.

During World War II, Cornwall once again played a strategic role as home to the Cornwall Army Airfield, which was used for training pilots for the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, the airfield was decommissioned and eventually became the site of the Storm King School, a private boarding school that is still in operation today.

Today, Cornwall is a thriving community with a rich history and a strong sense of community spirit. The town is home to a number of historic sites, including the Cornwall Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1834 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the scenic Hudson River and the nearby Storm King Mountain.